France Deeply Concerned over Violence against Burmese Muslims

A family stands beside remains of a market which was set on fire, in Rohingya village outside Maungdaw, in Rakhine state, Myanmar.

Paris, 07 Rabiul Akhir 1438/06 January 2017 (MINA) – France on Thursday expressed “deep concern” over the violence being used against Rohingya Muslim populations in northern Burma, where a campaign is underway to repress and expel this community, with apparent tacit approval from the Burmese authorities.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it was “reiterating its deep concern” and that the violence against the Rohingya community was “unacceptable.”

“We recall that it is the responsibility of the Burmese authorities to protect the civilian populations,” KUNA qoted Spokesman Romain Nadal as saying in a briefing.

Rival ethnic populations, mainly Buddhists, have been attacking the Rohingyas for months, with deaths and injuries increasingly reported and many Muslims forced to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh.

“It is indispensable that all light be shed on this violence, with the greatest transparency and impartiality,” Nadal added.

The French official said that those guilty of abuses should be called to give account before the courts.

Nadal also urged the Rangoon to provide needed humanitarian assistance to the Muslim populations under threat in the North Arakan region of the country. (T/RS05/RS01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)