Press Release – 21 Aug 2012

The incidents in the Rakhine State are sectarian conflicts which are purely internal affairs of a sovereign state. They are not relating to any kind of religious persecution or religious discrimination (Press Release – 21 Aug 2012)

The Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Press Release

With regard to the recent incidents in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, some individuals and organizations from abroad have issued statements based on the false and fabricated news reporting of some foreign news agencies and organizations.

It is obvious that the violence in the Rakhine State are neither the conflict between two religious groups of different faith nor humanitarian issue. It was only the violence conflict between two communities within a State of Myanmar following a criminal act. As a result of the riots, 88 people lost their lives of which 31 people were Rakhine and 57 were Muslim Bengalis. Similarly, houses and religious buildings from both communities were burnt down.

Reviewing the above-mentioned destruction, loss of lives and injury, it is clear that it was not a case of persecution or oppression by one race to another. An investigation committee was formed immediately to carry out investigation and to take actions according to law.

The Government took immediate actions with full restraint to restore law and order and stability in places where riots broke out since the very beginning of violence. As a result, law and order in Rakhine State is improving and overall situation is now returning to normalcy. The Government of Myanmar has never practiced policy of violence against Muslims or any other faiths. Therefore, the Government totally rejects accusations made by some organizations that the Government is practicing such a policy of abuses.

The Government has been working closely with international community for relief and rehabilitation for the victims of both communities in a non-discriminatory and transparent manner.

Similarly, the diplomatic corps and UN Agencies in Myanmar have been explained in detail by the responsible Ministers about the true situation. Moreover, the Government has also arranged a trip for them to Rakhine State to observe the situation on ground.

Moreover, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Mr.Vijay Nambiar, the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Mr. Thomas Ojea Quintana, the Turkish delegation headed by Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Ahmet Davutoglu, the President of Indonesia Red Cross Mr. Yusuf Kalla, and Representative and Assistant Seceretary General of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Mr. Atta A1-manam Bakhit have also visited Rakhine State and donated relief assistance to the victims. At the request of the Secretary General of the OIC, the Government has also extended an invitation to the Secretary General to visit Myanmar at a time of his convenience.

With a view to exposing the real cause of the incident and to give advice for the national interest, a 27-member“Investigation Commission” was formed on 17 August by the Office of the President. The Commission composes leaders from religious organizations including Islam, intellectuals, Politicians and retired government officials among others. The Secretary General of the United Nations has issued a statement in support of the formation of the Commission.

Myanmar welcomes United Nations Secretary General’s statement and ASEAN Foreign Minister’s Statement on the action taken by Myanmar Government regarding the situation in Rakhine State as they reflect the true situation.

The incidents in the Rakhine State are sectarian conflicts which are purely internal affairs of a sovereign state. They are not relating to any kind of religious persecution or religious discrimination. Therefore, we will not accept, any attempt to politically regionalize or internationalize this conflict as a religious issue. Such attempt will not contribute to finding solutions to the problem, but will only complicate the issue further.

Myanmar is a country where Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and Hindus have been living together in unity and harmony throughout history.

Thus, any outside interference or instigation to hamper the already restored peace and stability in the affected area should be stopped and support should be rendered for the prevalence of law and order, peace and stability, reconciliation among concerned people and for the rehabilitation of the victims.

Dated. 21 August 2012

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Nay Pyi Taw