TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo asserted during the retreat session of the 41st ASEAN Summit today in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, that the situation in Myanmar should not interfere with the bloc's journey or cooperation.

"The President delivered a very strong message that it's highly important for ASEAN to keep moving forward," said Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi in a press statement on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit as reported by Antara.

Retno said the situation in Myanmar and issues related to international ties were discussed during the retreat session. However, ASEAN leaders were more focused on discussing Myanmar issues.

"The President conveyed his statement that Indonesia is extremely disappointed with the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and no significant progress from the implementation of the 5-point consensus. We also don't see any commitment from the Myanmar military junta to implement it," said Retno.

She went on to say that Jokowi also highlighted the importance of ending the use of violence in Myanmar as soon as possible. "The President pushes ASEAN to immediately engage with all relevant parties."

Retno mentioned that there are 15 decisions made by the leaders of ASEAN member countries that will be announced by the ASEAN chairperson.

“I don't have the right to disclose it because I respect the ASEAN chair. There are 15 paragraphs/points and the decision is negotiated for days and in the last two days,” she said.

The decision, Retno emphasized, must be understood as a robust message. "This is a warning from ASEAN. If the situation does not improve, if there is no good progress in the implementation of the 5-point consensus, then it is possible for ASEAN to execute Myanmar's decision."

ANTARA

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