The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, spoke this morning with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, Dato Erywan Yusof. Brunei Darussalam is the Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2021. Their discussions focussed on the recent coup by the Myanmar military, which overthrew the legitimately-elected civilian government, turning back 10 years of democratic transition. High Representative/Vice-President Borrell reiterated the EU’s expectation that the military release all those who have been arbitrarily detained, respect the fundamental rights of the Myanmar people, and refrain from violence.
The High Representative/Vice-President stressed his support for the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, in trying to gain full access and to establish dialogue on the ground. The High Representative/Vice-President encouraged ASEAN in its efforts to establish dialogue and to find a way forward. He emphasised the European Union’s readiness to support.
High Representative/Vice-President Borrell briefed Foreign Minister Yusof on the options that the European Union is considering, including as regards possible new restrictive measures. EU Foreign Ministers will meet to discuss the situation and the way forward at the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council on 22 February.