U.N. Chief Warns Myanmar Violence Could Destabilize Region

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

United Nations, MINA – United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres appealed to Myanmar authorities on Tuesday to end violence against Rohingya Muslims in the country’s Rakhine state, warning of the risk of ethnic cleansing and regional destabilization, SPA reported, citing news carried by Reuters.

He also urged the Security Council to press for restraint and calm, sending the 15-member body a rare letter to express concern that the violence could spiral into a “humanitarian catastrophe with implications for peace and security that could continue to expand beyond Myanmar’s borders.”

Nearly 125,00 Rohingya Muslims have fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar’s northwestern Rakhine state since the violence began on Aug. 25 and killed at least 400 people.

When asked if the violence could be described as ethnic cleansing, Guterres told reporters on Tuesday: “We are facing a risk, I hope we don’t get there.”

“I appeal to all, all authorities in Myanmar, civilian authorities and military authorities, to indeed put an end to this violence that, in my opinion, is creating a situation that can destabilize the region,” he said.

The U.N. Security Council met behind closed doors last week to be briefed on the situation at the request of Britain. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)

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