In a televised address, Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi said that her country does not fear the scrutiny of the international community, as more than 400,000 minority Rohingya have fled violence in the country’s northern Rakhine State.
The speech is the first time Suu Kyi, the country’s de facto leader, has spoken about the situation in RakhineState since the latest spate of violence broke out.
Here are highlights from her speech:
1.
Myanmar is a complex nation. People expect us to overcome all the challenges in shortest time possible
2.
Peace and stability was something we had to achieve after nearly 70 yrs of internal conflict
3.
We condemn all human rights violations, we are committed to peace and rule of law
4.
Myanmar does not fear international scrutiny, committed to sustainable solution in Rakhine state
5.
Myanmar feels deeply for suffering of all groups in Rakhine, concerned to hear about Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh
6.
We would like to find out why this exodus is happening, would like to talk to the people who have fled
7.
Government has been making every effort to restore peace and stability and to bring harmony in Rakhine communities
8.
Many Muslim villagers have remained, not all have fled. Invite members of the international community to visit
9.
We have invited Dr Kofi Annan to lead a commission that would help us resolve long standing problems in Rakhine
10.
There have been allegations and counter allegations, will listen to all, culprits will be punished irrespective of race or religion
11.
We would like you (the world) to think of our country as a whole, not just as little afflicted areas
12.
Myanmar prepared to start a refugee verification process for those who wish to return
13.
We don’t want Myanmar to be a nation divided by religious beliefs or ethnicities. Hate and fear are main scourges
Image: Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi arrives to deliver a speech to the nation over Rakhine and Rohingya situation, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. Photograph: Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters
