Myanmar state counselor reiterates gov't commitment

Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday reiterated the government's commitment to the resolution of the issue of Rakhine state, and the need for time and space for the government's efforts to bear fruit, according to a press release of the country's Foreign Ministry.

Aung San Suu Kyi was briefing a retreat of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers in Yangon on recent development in northern Rakhine state, following the coordinated armed attacks on three border posts in Rakhine state in early October.

She emphasized the importance of strengthening ASEAN unity and resolving the differences among ASEAN members through peaceful and friendly consultations.

She provided information on the government's efforts to address the issue including the provision of humanitarian assistance to both communities in Rakhine state in cooperation with the UN agencies.

Expressing their appreciation to the Myanmar government for the briefing, ASEAN ministers said they welcomed the steps taken by the government to address the challenges in the state, suggesting ways and means of promoting peaceful coexistence and harmony among the communities, protecting the human rights of the civilian population and providing greater humanitarian assistance and healthcare for all in the state.

The ASEAN foreign ministers voiced readiness of their countries to help with humanitarian and development assistance, while Myanmar government also reiterated its readiness to grant necessary humanitarian access and to keep ASEAN members informed of development in the state.

The retreat, chaired by Laos which is the current ASEAN chair, was initiated by the Myanmar government with the aim of apprising fellow member nations of Myanmar's efforts in ensuring peace, security and development in the Rakhine state and strengthening ASEAN unity and solidarity as well.

source: Xinhua