US
deputy assistant secretary Kelly Clements addresses a press briefing
along with Ambassador Dan Mozena at American Centre in Dhaka on
Thursday. Photo courtesy by American Embassy
The US
State Department delegation, which visited Rakhaine state of Myanmar on
Thursday, said a serious insecurity, tension, persecution and
displacement of people continued there and stressed for access of international aid agencies in the country.
The
delegation strongly recommended for immediate humanitarian assistance
and access to international aid organisation to supply emergency relief
to the victims.
“Tension
is very much in evident and displacement continues. A large number of
people continue to displace, so challenge is very much grave there,”
said Kelly Clements, US deputy assistant secretary for Bureau of
Population, Refugees, and Migration.
Two
members of the four-member delegation gave their impression at a press
conference at American Centre in Dhaka after visiting the worst affected
Sittew and Mongdu area following the ethnic violence in the Rakhine
state in June.
A
four-member high-powered US delegation visited Myanmar on September 7-10
and Bangladesh on 11-13 to assess current conditions and to discuss
with government officials how to reduce tensions and improve security,
stability and humanitarian situation over long-term.
Kelly
and her colleague, who is also deputy assistant secretary for US Bureau
of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Daniel Baer told the press
conference that they talked to local leaders and victims in Arakan state
as well as Rohingya refugees in two official camps in Cox’s Bazar to
get first hand impression of the situation.
Asked
whether they feel that the Myanmar government has failed to address the
ethnic problem, Kelly said it needs high priority to bring the
prevailing tension under control. She said the Myanmar government is
aware of it and trying to solve it.
On a
question about a long-term solution of problems in the state, she said
understanding between communities (Rohingya Muslims and Buddists),
reconciliation and reintegration are needed so the communities can go
back to their homesteads.
About
the Bangladesh government decision banning the operations of the three
international NGOs in Cox’s Bazar, Kelly did not reply precisely but
said it is very clear that the Rohingya refugees need enormous
humanitarian assistance.
She
said the US continues its support through UNHCR to address the need of
Rohingyas as well as the citizens of Bangladesh in Cox’s Bazar until a
long term solution is possible.
When
asked whether US wants Bangladesh to receive new Rohingya refugees, US
Ambassador Dan Mozena, who also spoke at the press conference, said
Bangladesh has long tradition of hospitality and hoped that the
government will uphold the tradition in case Rohingyas arrive here
fleeing to save their lives.
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