ISTANBUL

Putting its weight behind a new mechanism by Southeast Asian nations, the UN chief on Thursday pinned hope on the Indonesia, Laos and Malaysia troika on finding a political solution to the Myanmar crisis.

"We are strongly hopeful that after Indonesia, with Lao PDR (official name of Laos) and also the Troika – Indonesia, Malaysia and Lao PDR – ASEAN will remain totally committed to finding a political solution in Myanmar," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told a news conference on the sidelines of the summit meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Indonesia.

"And that political solution will of course need the release of all political prisoners and need to clearly pave the way for the re-establishment of democratic institutions in the country," he said, according to a transcript released by the UN.

The ASEAN leaders, comprised of current, past and future chairs of the regional grouping, agreed earlier this week on a new mechanism to tackle the unrest in Myanmar.

The plan calls for cessation of violence, initiation of dialogue, appointment of ASEAN envoys, providing humanitarian assistance, and a visit by an ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar.

The UN chief also expressed concern over the situation in Myanmar, urging the military authorities to listen to its people, release political prisoners, and return to democracy.

"I remain deeply concerned about the worsening political, humanitarian, and human rights situation in Myanmar, including Rakhine State, and the plight of the massive number of refugees living in desperate conditions," he said.

Indonesia has been hosting the 43rd summit of ASEAN leaders since Monday.

While appreciating ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, Guterres urged all countries to continue to seek a unified strategy towards the Southeast Asian nation.

"I also appreciate the determined efforts of Indonesia as chair of the ASEAN to engage all sides to the conflict in political dialogue," he added, urging the military authorities of Myanmar to listen to the aspirations of its people, release all political prisoners, and open the doors to the return to democratic rule.

Thousands of people have died and been internally displaced since Myanmar's military seized power in a coup against the government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.

On repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar, the UN chief told the UN-ASEAN summit: "Regrettably, the conditions for their safe, voluntary and dignified return are not yet in sight. Much more is needed."

The situation in Myanmar "has further deteriorated," he told the summit, co-chaired by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

"More and more people are crossing borders in a desperate search for safety and protection and the situation is untenable," he added.