France says Burmese abuses of Muslims unacceptable

PARIS, Feb 6 (KUNA) -- France said it was concerned about the abuses suffered by Rohingya Muslims in northern Burma after the United Nations Human Rights Commission published a report on the situation in Arakan province.
"The report by the (UNHRC) on the situation in Burma indicates very grave violations of fundamental rights, in particular involving the Rohingya population in Arakan," a French Foreign Ministry statement issued on Monday said.
France has consistently urged Burma to put a halt to attacks on the Muslim minority which has been targeted and brutalised by both Buddhist militants and also by the Burmese security forces.
"This systematic violence has forced tens of thousands of people to flee the country," the French statement noted, referring to the many civilians who have fled largely to Bangladesh to escape repression.
"France expresses its concern about these unacceptable abuses which according to the report have been committed by the army, (including) murder, rape, systematic burning of villages," Paris said.
France called on Burma "to immediately put an end to this violence and authorise humanitarian access, which is still deliberately blocked, and authorise an independent enquiry." The Foreign Ministry also urged that "those responsible for these abuses must answer for their acts in front of the courts." (end) jk.rk