ASEAN renews efforts for Myanmar peace talks
Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a ten-member regional bloc, will gather on Monday to advocate for peace in Myanmar and address trade concerns related to US President Donald Trump's tariff policy, Reuters reported.
Myanmar has been in crisis since a military coup in 2021 triggered armed resistance. ASEAN, led this year by Malaysia, is attempting to reopen talks between the military regime and opposition organizations. A proposal for a permanent ASEAN envoy to Myanmar is under discussion.
Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing remains excluded from ASEAN summits. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent talks with both the junta and opposition have renewed hopes for negotiations, according to Reuters.
ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus peace plan remains largely unimplemented amid ongoing conflict and political deadlock.
US eases sanctions on Syria
The US Treasury Department issued General License 25 on Friday, lifting sanctions against Syria and allowing new investment and private sector activity. The move follows President Donald Trump’s pledge during his recent Middle East trip, Reuters reported.
The license allows for financial services and transactions involving Syrian-origin petroleum, as well as the restoration of banking relations with the Commercial Bank of Syria. Sanctions release is contingent on Syria denying safe shelter to terrorist groups and preserving religious and ethnic minorities.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also authorized a 180-day Caesar Act waiver to encourage investment and essential services like electricity and water, according to Reuters.
Chinese Premier arrives in Jakarta for official visit
Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Jakarta on Saturday for an official visit to Indonesia at President Prabowo Subianto's invitation.
Following his visit to Indonesia, Premier Li is scheduled to travel to Malaysia, where he will attend the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur from May 26 to 28, Xinhua reported.
G7 threatens more sanctions if Russia rejects ceasefire
G7 finance ministers have warned that Russia will face further sanctions if it refuses to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
In a joint statement issued after their meeting, the ministers stated that they will study all feasible steps to intensify pressure on Russia. They confirmed that Russian sovereign assets would be frozen until the war is finished and Russia pays reparations to Ukraine, Al Jazeera reported.
The G7, comprised of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, also agreed that any party that supported Russia's military effort would be barred from participating in Ukraine's future reconstruction. The group reiterated its commitment to holding Russia accountable for the ongoing conflict and the harm it has inflicted in Ukraine.
