Myanmar to Establish Advisory Commission to Resolve Protracted Rakhine Regional Issue

Yangon, 21 Dzulqa’dah 1437/24 August 2016 (MINA) – The Myanmar government will establish an advisory commission on Rakhine state to be chaired by former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan to resolve the protracted Rakhine regional issue, Xinhua quoted a press release of the Ministry of the Office of the State Counselor as saying on Wednesday.

Committed to finding lasting solution to the complex and delicate issues in the Rakhine state, the Ministry of the State Counselor’s Office will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Kofi Annan Foundation for the establishment of the nine-member advisory commission.

The commission will comprise three international and six national persons of eminence who are respected and neutral individuals, the release said.

The commission will undertake meetings with all relevant stakeholders, international experts and foreign dignitaries to hear their views and to find the best possible solution to prevailing problems, it said.

The commission will consider humanitarian and development issues, access to basic services, the assurance of basic rights and the security of the people of Rakhine.

The commission will undertake assessments and make recommendations by focusing on conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance, rights and reconciliation, institution building and promotion of development of Rakhine state.

After wide consultations, the commission will submit its findings and recommendations to the government of Myanmar through the State Counselor and publish its report within 12 months of its establishment.

On March 28, days before the incumbent government was to take office, Myanmar’s previous government lifted the state of emergency imposed on western Rakhine state for nearly 4 years since 2012, saying that it was lifted across the state as no more threat to lives and property of the people were found according to a report submitted by the Rakhine state government.

As unrest and violence in Rakhine state escalated then, triggered by communal conflict, the then Myanmar government declared the state of emergency on western coastal Rakhine state on June 10, 2012. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)