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View all search resultsASEAN special envoy could meet Suu Kyi in future visit
Sokhonn, the Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, revealed this at a press conference addressing his first official Myanmar visit, which ended on March 23, in his capacity as the bloc’s special envoy.
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Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn speaks during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Retreat press conference in Phnom Penh on February 17, 2022.
(AFP/TANG CHHIN Sothy )
M
yanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has hinted that a meeting between ASEAN special envoy Prak Sokhonn and Aung San Suu Kyi could be on the cards in future visits.
Sokhonn, the Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, revealed this at a press conference addressing his first official Myanmar visit, which ended on March 23, in his capacity as the bloc’s special envoy.
Speaking to the media upon the delegation’s arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, Sokhonn was asked whether he had requested to meet Aung San Suu Kyi. He said he did not make a direct request, noting that such as appeal was the reason that the former ASEAN special envoy, Brunei’s second foreign minister Erywan Yusof, had failed to secure a visit to Myanmar during his tenure.
However, he said Min Aung Hlaing had “hinted” that it may be possible for him to meet her in the future.
Sokhonn said: “I recalled Prime Minister Hun Sen’s request [to Min Aung Hlaing, to visit Aung San Suu Kyi]. His response this time was more open than before, saying that it is hard to do so at the moment because Aung San Suu Kyi’s case is undergoing court proceedings, and that Myanmar law states that permission to meet other people is not granted during this process.
“Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said this request can be considered in the future, not only to meet Her Excellency Aung San Suu Kyi, but other politicians as well.
“This shows that we are opening the window to allow in the ‘light’ needed for dialogue with all concerned parties, as stated in the mandate of the special envoy and in the interests of national reconciliation.”
Sokhonn began his three-day visit to Myanmar on March 21, accompanied by the ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi and senior Cambodian officials.
He said he had learned from the diplomats and officials that there has been no sign of negotiation for reconciliation so far, and that many factions of the conflict are not ready to talk but, in fact, are committed to fight and continue their struggle.
“It is very clear that different political factions in Myanmar are not ready to negotiate. This is the most difficult task. When we want to reconcile and our partners do not want to negotiate, then trying to do so is incredibly difficult.
