US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson labels the atrocities in Myanmar’s northern Rakhine State as ‘ethnic cleansing’, calling for those responsible to be held accountable. – AFP File Photo
KUALA LUMPUR: The US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Wednesday for the first time, labelled the atrocities in Myanmar’s northern Rakhine State as “ethnic cleansing”, calling for those responsible to be held accountable.
Tillerson said the US continues to support a credible, independent investigation to further determine all facts on the ground to aid in the process of accountability and would pursue them through the US law, including possible targeted sanctions.
In recent reports by the international media, the Secretary of State had previously refused to call the crisis in Rakhine as ethnic cleansing, saying the US needed more information.
“I reiterate the United States’ condemnation of Aug 25 attacks on security forces by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). Yet no provocation can justify the horrendous atrocities that have ensued,” he said, in a statement dated yesterday from Washington DC.
Tillerson added the abuses by some among the Burmese military, security forces, and local vigilantes have caused tremendous suffering and forced hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children to flee their homes in Myanmar to seek refuge in Bangladesh.
According to the United Nations, an estimated 620,000 Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh since Aug 25.
Tillerson said the US support the Myanmar government’s commitment to create the conditions necessary for all refugees and internally displaced people to return to their homes safely and voluntarily, and welcome recent exchanges between the governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh on repatriation.
He added many stakeholders must work together to ensure progress on the matter, noting that support by Myanmar’s military for these government efforts is crucial as in this difficult and complex situation.
The Secretary of State said the US last week announced an additional US$47 million in humanitarian assistance for those affected by the Rakhine State crisis, bringing the total amount spent in response to this crisis to more than US$87 million since August of this year.
Tillerson said he met separately with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing during his visit to Naypyitaw, Myanmar on Nov 15, during which he reaffirmed the US’ strong commitment to Myanmar’s successful democratic transition as the elected government strives to implement reforms, bring peace and reconciliation to the nation, and resolve a devastating crisis in Rakhine State.
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has been very vocal on the Rohingya issue.
Among the first world leaders to criticise the atrocities in Rakhine State, Najib had also voiced out the matter at various international fora.
During his visit to the White House in September, Najib had specifically and clearly raised the Rohingya issue with US President Donald Trump and it was well received by the US leader.
The US has agreed to issue a stern statement on violence against the Rohingya in Myanmar after being given a true picture of the situation by Malaysia, Bernama reported. – Bernama