Diplomats visit three different areas in Northern Rakhine

 October 2, 2017

Diplomats and representatives of UN agencies visited conflict areas in northern Rakhine State, terrorists attacked dozens of police outposts and civilians on 25th August, led to an exodus of local people from all communities.

Divided into three groups, the diplomats and the UN’s representatives visited three different areas in Maungtaw and Yathedaung townships meeting with people from Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist communities.

During the diplomatic trip, they asked the people from all communities about current challenges for livelihood, education and health.

At the Maungtaw District General Administration Department, they also met with relatives of victims of the Rakhine, Mro, Thet and Daing Net ethnic villagers and Hindu villagers who were killed by ARSA terrorists.

The villages they visited yesterday are Anaukpyin Village, Shwelaungtin Village in Yathedaung Township, Narollah Village, Pantawpyin, Shwezar Village, Khondaing Village, Kamaungseik Village, Ngakhuya Village in Maungtaw Township.

Following the trip, the diplomats issued a statement, reiterating their condemnation of the ARSA attacks of 25 August and their deep concern about violence and mass displacement.

The statement also called for unimpeded humanitarian access and allowing journalists to all parts of Rakhine again.

“We call once more for unimpeded humanitarian access to northern Rakhine and resumption of life-saving services without discrimination throughout the state. We welcome the media access that has already been allowed but call once more for journalists to be allowed full, unimpeded access to all parts of Rakhine,” said the statement.

“As friends of Myanmar we remain ready to work with the Myanmar Government to help Rakhine reach its potential.

The Advisory Commission on Rakhine State has set out recommendations for a stable, peaceful and prosperous future for all communities in the state, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or citizenship statue. We support full implementation of the report,” said the statement.

The ambassadors who all took part in the trip to northern Rakhine are from Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Indonesia, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, the United States, the European Union, Germany and Spain and Head of the Swedish Section Office, Deputy Head of Mission of the United Kingdom and Deputy Head of Mission of Finland while representatives from UNRC, UNHCR, WFP, World Bank (Myanmar) and UNODC.

Myanmar News Agency

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar