Philippines calls for release of Myanmar's Suu Kyi

JAKARTA, Indonesia

The Philippines on Tuesday called for the release of ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior civilian government officials following a military coup on Feb. 1.

“Our call is for the complete return to the previous state of affairs, with respect to the preeminent role of Aung San Suu Kyi,” Philippines Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin said Tuesday evening after an informal ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) foreign ministers meeting.

The Philippines supports dialogue among the parties involved in the country’s future, the top diplomat said.

“All members of ASEAN must support Myanmar and be ready to provide any assistance to the Myanmar government," he added.

ASEAN called on all parties in Myanmar to seek a peaceful solution through constructive dialogue and practical reconciliation in the interests of the people and their livelihoods.

“We expressed our concern about the situation in Myanmar and called on all parties to refrain from instigating further violence and exercise utmost restraint as well as flexibility,” said a statement after the meeting.

It also underscored the importance of Myanmar’s continued efforts in addressing the situation in the western Rakhine State, including the repatriation of Rohingya refugees in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner in accordance with its bilateral agreements with Bangladesh.