In a significant development, East Timor’s President José Ramos-Horta has expressed his willingness to personally intervene in Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, just one day after his country was granted membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Speaking in Kuala Lumpur during the ASEAN summit, Ramos-Horta highlighted East Timor’s unique diplomatic experience in reconciliation and conflict resolution, despite being one of the region’s youngest and poorest nations. He emphasized the need for ASEAN to address Myanmar’s crisis, which has defied the bloc’s 2021 Five-Point Consensus aimed at ending hostilities. Ramos-Horta proposed a pragmatic approach, including engaging Myanmar’s military leaders to secure an immediate ceasefire without preconditions, followed by a roadmap for political stabilization. He acknowledged the challenges but remained hopeful that direct dialogue could yield progress. East Timor’s accession to ASEAN, overcoming initial opposition from Myanmar’s military, marks a new chapter for the nation, offering economic and educational opportunities. However, Ramos-Horta also pointed to domestic challenges, including youth unemployment and poverty, while expressing optimism about diversifying the economy and resolving long-stalled gas development talks with Australia. He dismissed concerns over East Timor’s ties with China, asserting the country’s independence, and praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s pragmatic approach to international relations.
In AP interview, East Timor’s Ramos-Horta says personal diplomacy could bring Myanmar ceasefire
