Jakarta: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Southeast Asian ministers on Friday to pressure Myanmar's ruling junta to put down its arms and return to democratic rule.

Blinken made the call during a meeting with ASEAN foreign ministers in Jakarta, Indonesia. He said that the United States and its allies are "deeply concerned" about the situation in Myanmar, where the military has been engaged in a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters since it seized power in a coup last February.

"In Myanmar, we must press the military regime to stop the violence, to implement ASEAN's five-point consensus, to support a return to democratic governance," Blinken said.

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ASEAN's five-point consensus calls for an end to violence, dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, the provision of humanitarian assistance, and the convening of an inclusive political dialogue.

Blinken said that the United States is "prepared to take additional steps" to pressure the junta, but he did not specify what those steps might be. He also said that the United States is working with other countries to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar.

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The ASEAN foreign ministers are expected to discuss the situation in Myanmar at their meeting in Jakarta. However, it is unclear whether they will be able to reach a consensus on how to pressure the junta.

The junta has shown no signs of backing down, and it has continued to crack down on protesters. In recent weeks, the junta has arrested hundreds of people, including journalists and activists. It has also reportedly used live ammunition against protesters, killing dozens of people.

The United Nations has called for an end to the violence in Myanmar, and it has urged the junta to release all political prisoners. However, the junta has ignored these calls.

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The situation in Myanmar is a humanitarian crisis, and it is essential that the international community take action to pressure the junta and help the people of Myanmar.