Long-standing critics of the military regime in power in Myanmar since the coup on February 1, 2021, the small republic of East Timor now finds itself at the center of a diplomatic case that is once again questioning the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
These countries have been unable to establish a firm stance that would compel the Burmese junta to cease violence and initiate negotiations with the democratic forces regarding the country’s future.
On Sunday, August 27, in retaliation for a meeting between President Jose Ramos-Horta and Zin Mar Aung, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of National Unity (GUN), the junta ordered the expulsion of the charge d’affaires at the East Timorese embassy in Naypyidaw.
The GUN primarily comprises representatives of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy, who managed to escape the military’s arrests that targeted most political leaders, ministers, and MPs. Also detained were President Htin Kyaw and Aung San Suu Kyi, who held the position of “state counselor,” effectively a leading role in the country’s administration.
Announcing the news on Facebook, the Burmese head of diplomacy criticized the alleged “irresponsibility” of the Dili government. They claimed that the government’s actions were “encouraging the terrorist group (the GUN) to commit further violations in Myanmar.”
The Timorese response was swift, reiterating the “importance of supporting every effort to reinstate democratic order” in Myanmar. They called on the military junta to respect human rights and seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
At the conclusion of the initial twenty years of independence, following a thirty-year conflict to break free from Indonesian colonial control, and still significantly guided by former guerrilla leaders, East Timor is facing questions about its ASEAN integration.
This comes as a result of ASEAN’s inability to put an end to Myanmar’s internal conflict. Just a few days ago, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, who, along with Ramos-Horta, spearheaded the liberation of the Timorese people and guided its subsequent unstable democracy, reiterated this sentiment.
ASEAN’s traditional policy of non-interference in the affairs of its member states has thus far resulted in a weak five-point peace proposal, which was, however, rejected by the Burmese military.
