Rakhine efforts need time and space: State Counsellor

December 19, 2016

State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said yesterday that the Union government is committed to the resolution of the complex issues in Rakhine State, but pointed out that “time and space are critical for the efforts to bear fruit.”

The State Counsellor’s comments were made at a retreat hosted by Myanmar for ASEAN Foreign Ministers at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon yesterday.

During the retreat, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi briefed the ASEAN Foreign Ministers on recent developments in northern Rakhine State following the coordinated armed attacks against three border police outposts in the beginning of October.

She also provided information on the Myanmar governments efforts to address the issue, including the provision of humanitarian assistance to both communities in northern Rakhine State in cooperation with UN agencies.

The State Counsellor emphasized the importance of strengthening ASEAN unity and resolving the differences among ASEAN family members through peaceful and friendly consultations.

In turn, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers expressed their appreciation to the Government of Myanmar for convening the meeting and for briefing them on developments in Rakhine State. There was a candid and transparent exchange of views based on the spirit of the ASEAN family. ASEAN welcomed the steps taken by Myanmar to address the challenges in Rakhine State.

They also suggested ways of promoting peaceful coexistence and harmony among the communities, protecting the human rights of the civilian population and providing greater humanitarian assistance and health care for all in the State.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers expressed the willingness of their countries to help with humanitarian and development assistance.

The Government of Myanmar reiterated its readiness to grant necessary humanitarian access and to keep ASEAN members informed of developments in Rakhine State.

The State Counsellor also expressed her appreciation for the understanding and warmth with which fellow members of ASEAN have responded to the national reconciliation and peace issues in Rakhine State.

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar