EU asks Myanmar security forces to exercise maximum restraint, vows solidarity with Bangladesh

The European Union has asked the Myanmar security forces involved in ongoing operations in Rakhine State to exercise “maximum restraint” and to protect unarmed civilians.

The European Union “stands in solidarity with the Bangladeshi authorities, who have played a crucial humanitarian role in welcoming the refugees who have arrived as a result of the crisis”, High Representative Federica Mogherini said in a statement.

She termed the situation in Northern Rakhine State “extremely serious” and said “has our full attention”.

“Today, I was in touch with the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi, following her visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh, and through our European Union Delegation in Yangon and elsewhere, we are in close contact with the authorities in Myanmar, in the region and beyond.”

The European Union is committed to supporting the government of Myanmar and all stakeholders in finding sustainable solutions towards lasting peace, stability and prosperity, for the benefit of the whole population, according to the statement.

Bangladesh has been sheltering about 500,000 Rohingya refugees for decades as they fled persecutions in Myanmar.

About 164,000 Rohingyas have entered Bangladesh since the latest violence began on Aug 25, according to UN agencies.

Dhaka lodged strong protests against the violence that sparked an exodus of refugees and said Bangladesh should not be the victim of violence and atrocities in Myanmar.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also wrote “officially” to the president of the Security Council to express his concern.

The European Union said they condemn the attacks and subsequent violence. “We expect the perpetrators to be brought to justice in line with the rule of law.”

“The security forces involved in ongoing operations have a duty to exercise maximum restraint and to protect unarmed civilians,” Mogherini said.

“There is an urgent need for a de-escalation of tensions, on all sides, and for full observance of international human rights law,” she said asking for unrestricted humanitarian access to Rakhine State.

Myanmar has committed to implementing the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State.

Mogherini also asked the Myanmar authorities to implement the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, known as Kofi Annan Commission that advised the government to ensure citizenship for Rohingyas and start safe repatriation from Bangladesh after joint verification.

“This should be done without delay and with full determination,” she said, offering the EU’s “full support in practical terms” in the implementation of those recommendations.