Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing criticises ASEAN, sets out government agenda

Myanmar's junta chief President Min Aung Hlaing has rejected the ASEAN peace plan, outlining his government's plans for the war-torn country amidst ongoing civil war and widespread displacement.

Nearly four months after taking office, Myanmar's junta chief turned president Min Aung ​Hlaing on Friday criticised the regional ASEAN bloc's peace plan and ​outlined his government's plans for the war-torn Southeast ‌Asian ​country. Myanmar was plunged into turmoil in February 2021 when the military ousted an elected government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking protests that expanded into a protracted civil war, ‌killing some 100,000 people and displacing millions. At the turn of this year, the military engineered a widely criticised election won by an army-backed party that allowed Min Aung Hlaing to transition into a civilian role. Following are some key points from his speech to parliament: