The European Union (EU) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of President U Win Myint, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all those detained after February 1, and for genuine political dialogue to take place.

The Special Representative of the European Union (EU) has issued a statement calling for support for the ASEAN Special Envoy's activities on Myanmar.

The statement said ahead of the ASEAN Summit on 26 October, the EU will reaffirm its strong support for ASEAN's efforts to find a non-violent and peaceful solution to the current crisis in order to begin the process of conflict mitigation and restore democracy and stressed the need for Myanmar to implement the five agreements quickly and accurately.

The EU warmly welcomes the appointment of Brunei Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof as Special Envoy of the Chair of ASEAN for Myanmar, and is ready to fully support the Special Envoy in coordinating a constructive and inclusive dialogue with all key stakeholders, as well as the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy, it said.

The EU has called on Myanmar to work closely with the ASEAN Special Envoy on the implementation of the five-point agreement of ASEAN. The ASEAN Special Envoy stressed the need for the military to facilitate regular visits to Myanmar and to provide free access to all those who wish to meet, it said.

A meaningful political dialogue means that the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), National Unity Government (NUG), ethnic groups, political parties and other pro-democracy forces determined to find a non-violent and peaceful solution to the current crisis, must be included. It said that only a genuine, inclusive dialogue from the beginning could provide a peaceful and lasting future for Myanmar, it said.

The EU has condemned the escalation of armed conflict that has resulted in civilian casualties and displacement and grave concern over the significant deployment of armed forces in rural areas and the escalation of hostilities, calling for an immediate end to violence and full respect for human rights. The EU stands firm on behalf of the people of Myanmar, call for immediately and unconditionally release of President U Win Myint, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all detainees and the EU reiterated its call for genuine political dialogue and for a peaceful return to democracy on the path to democracy. It is stated that this can only be achieved by taking into account the views of the majority of the people, it said.

The EU has provided humanitarian assistance, including emergency assistance to control the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Impartiality it will continue to be provided in accordance with the principles of fairness and independence. It called on the military authorities to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and health workers, as well as for the safe and unhindered access to assistance to displaced persons and all those in need. The EU is ready to cooperate with international partners, including the ASEAN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, in providing such assistance, it said.