Myanmar: Singapore and Indonesia have condemned an attack on regional diplomats on a humanitarian aid mission in crisis-hit Myanmar’s northeastern Shan State. Singapore stated that two staff members from its embassy in Yangon were part of the convoy that came under fire and had returned safely to the city.
“Singapore condemns this attack. It is critical to safeguard the safety of humanitarian and diplomatic personnel to ensure that they can continue their operations and provide necessary aid to those in need,” the city-state’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted in a statement. According to reports, the attack took place as the vehicles were heading from Hsihseng to Taunggyi, and “the terrorists shot them using small weapons, and the security forces launched a counterattack”.
“Singapore urges all parties to refrain from violence, in accordance with the Five-Point Consensus. Only constructive dialogue among all key stakeholders in Myanmar can facilitate a peaceful solution in the interests of the people of Myanmar,” Singapore’s statement continued.
The US State Department also expressed its concern over the incident.
“These attacks in Shan State come as the regime’s violence and disregard for the rule of law have led to greater instability on the ground, all while the regime has continued to neglect its commitments under the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, including ceasing its violence and enabling unhindered humanitarian access,” the US department spokesperson Mr. Matthew Miller commented.
It was not clear who was behind the attack, which Indonesia’s President, Mr. Joko Widodo, said took place as the officials were on their way to “hand over humanitarian aid” in the region. The convoy was under military escort at the time.
Indonesia this week hosts the ASEAN summit in eastern Labuan Bajo, with the 10-member group of Southeast Asian nations under increasing pressure over its failure to do more to resolve the crisis in Myanmar triggered by the February 2021 coup.
