US and ASEAN chair call for Aung San Suu Kyi's unconditional release

The United States and the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have jointly called for the unconditional release of Myanmar's former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and other political detainees. This comes after Aung San Suu Kyi met with a representative from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for the first time since her detention following the February 2021 coup.

Both the U.S. State Department and the ASEAN chair welcomed the ICRC visit, expressing hope that it signals the beginning of regular humanitarian access, including for necessary medical care for the 81-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The ASEAN chair stated, "We urge the further expansion of access to persons held in detention in Myanmar since February 2021, and reiterate our call for their release, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s complete and unconditional release."

The State Department echoed these sentiments on X, hoping the visit would lead to greater access for all political prisoners and calling for Aung San Suu Kyi's "immediate and unconditional release." Additionally, the U.S. urged Myanmar's military junta to engage in dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict. The ASEAN chair reaffirmed its commitment to the bloc's Five-Point Consensus peace plan and expressed anticipation for its special envoy to gain access to Myanmar to meet all parties, including Aung San Suu Kyi.