Foreign Secretary comments on continued violence in Rakhine state, Burma?
Hague: "We deplore the latest spate of attacks which has caused many casualties and left tens of thousands of people displaced."
Following renewed outbreaks of violence in Rakhine state in recent days, the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said:
“I am deeply concerned about reports from Burma this weekend on the continued violence in Rakhine state. We deplore the latest spate of attacks which has caused many casualties, left tens of thousands of people displaced and is having a devastating impact in the region.
“The UK calls again on all parties to cease the violence and for the Burmese authorities to take all necessary measures to guarantee security in the region. We also call for supplies of humanitarian support to be able to reach all those who need it without delay.
“The UK is at the forefront of the international community’s efforts to address the current crisis and to reach a sustainable settlement which respects the legitimate rights of all those who live in Rakhine. I have raised this issue with the Burmese Foreign Minister and continue to do so; we most recently discussed it when we met last month.
“Our Ambassador is in constant contact with the Burmese government. He spoke to the President’s office earlier today to express our grave concerns about recent developments and our readiness to assist at both a humanitarian and diplomatic level in the search for a sustainable solution to this long running issue.
“I hope that we will soon see an end to this terrible violence and that peace will return to Rakhine state.”