Noeleen Heyzer

Since late 2021, Noeleen Heyzer has had the unenviable task of trying to mediate a conflict in a context of extreme polarization and mutual hostility.

Heyzer's inaugural visit to the country last month was criticized for lending legitimacy to the military administration.

The U.K.-drafted statement expressed its concern about the country's growing humanitarian crisis and the "limited progress" on an ASEAN peace plan.

ASEAN has come under fire over a plan to channel its humanitarian assistance via the country's military junta.

The talks highlighted just how many obstacles are strewn along the path toward a resolution to the country's crisis.

Noeleen Heyzer said that Thailand "has an important role in preventing further deterioration of the crisis in Myanmar."

But given the asymmetry of forces on the ground, any ceasefire would likely play into the military junta's hands.