In major rebuke, ASEAN downgrades Myanmar presence at summit

By EILEEN NG
Associated Press

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Southeast Asian foreign ministers have agreed to downgrade Myanmar’s participation in an upcoming summit in their sharpest rebuke yet of its leaders following a Feb. 1 military takeover. Brunei, chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, said Saturday the bloc has decided to invite a non-political representative, instead of Myanmar’s military leader, to its Oct. 26-28 summit. An ASEAN special envoy abruptly canceled a trip to Myanmar this week after the military refused to let him meet with Aung San Suu Kyi, whose civilian government was ousted in the coup. Myanmar has objected to the bloc’s decision. The ASEAN summit, held via video, will include U.S. President Biden and other world leaders.