Philippines as ASEAN Chair Urges Release of Suu Kyi
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- ASEAN urged Myanmar on April 24 to expand a recent amnesty that cut Aung San Suu Kyi’s 27‑year sentence by one‑sixth, freeing thousands of inmates.
- Sihasak Phuangketkeow met junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and conveyed ASEAN concerns about Suu Kyi’s welfare, after the junta said she was “well looked after”.
- Win Myint the ousted former president, was freed in the same amnesty that also reduced Suu Kyi’s term, signaling a limited concession by the military regime.
- Min Aung Hlaing pledged peace and reconciliation at his inauguration and pledged to normalize ties with ASEAN, a move Thailand pledged to support.
Why it matters: The Philippines‑led ASEAN amnesty cut Aung San Suu Kyi’s 27‑year term by one‑sixth, freeing thousands and giving ASEAN a tangible diplomatic win, while Myanmar’s junta faces heightened scrutiny and reduced political cover.
