REUTERS — The United States Department of State and the Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reiterated on Friday (7) their demand for the unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi, the detained former leader of Myanmar, and other political prisoners.
On Monday (3), Aung San Suu Kyi met with a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), after years of questions surrounding her health and well-being since she was detained following the February 2021 coup that toppled the elected civilian government.
In separate statements, the State Department and the ASEAN Chair both welcomed the ICRC visit, and said they hoped it would mark the beginning of regular access — including medical care — for the 81-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
"We call for expanded access to those detained in Myanmar since February 2021, and reiterate our call for their release, including the full and unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi," the ASEAN Chair's statement read.
In a post on the application X, the US State Department stated: "We hope this visit marks the beginning of regular humanitarian access to Aung San Suu Kyi and a path toward greater access for all political prisoners," while also calling for her immediate and unconditional release.
The US State Department also urged Myanmar's military to engage in dialogue to end the conflict that erupted in the wake of the coup.
The ASEAN Chair reaffirmed the role of the regional bloc's Special Envoy in engaging with all parties in Myanmar under ASEAN's "Five-Point Consensus" peace plan, and expressed hope that the Special Envoy would be permitted to visit Myanmar and meet with all relevant parties, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Philippines currently holds the chairmanship of ASEAN, which has 11 member states, in 2026.
