Myanmar regime is signalling to ASEAN by rejecting access to Aung San Suu Kyi

As Aung San Suu Kyi turned 81 recently, some have reiterated calls for her release or access to her.



But these calls have been ignored or turned down, including the latest request from ASEAN member states to meet the deposed Myanmar leader, who has been imprisoned since a military coup in 2021.



Analysts say the Myanmar regime’s continued refusal to be pressured by ASEAN shows it believes that the grouping is somewhat toothless.



The latest rebuff of ASEAN came in end June at a news conference, where the regime’s spokesperson Khaing Khaing Soe said: “Aung San Suu Kyi has been prosecuted under the law and is serving sentences.”



This marked the second time that ASEAN chair the Philippines’ Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro was unable to meet Suu Kyi.



Her previous attempt was during a visit to Myanmar’s capital Naypyitaw on Jan 7, where she met then acting president Min Aung Hlaing.