LOC22:38
19:38 GMT
WASHINGTON, Oct 25 (KUNA) -- The United States on Thursday expressed deep
concern over recent ethnic and sectarian violence in Burma's Rakhine state,
calling for immediate action by Burma's government to quell the unrest.
The State Department urges all parties to exercise restraint and halt
attacks against Buddhists and Muslims, while joining the international
community's call for authorities to grant humanitarian access to affected
areas and begin peace-building efforts between the sparing groups.
"The situation in Rakhine state underscores the critical need for mutual
respect among all ethnic and religious groups and for serious efforts to
achieve national reconciliation in Burma. We urge the people of Burma to work
together towards a peaceful, prosperous and democratic country that respects
the rights of all of its diverse people," State Department spokeswoman
Victoria Nuland said in Washington.
Since Sunday, 56 people have been killed and over 1000 homes torched after
violence erupted between ethnic Buddhist Rakhine people, who make up the
majority of the state's population, and Muslims, many of whom are Rohingya.
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KUNA 252238 Oct 12NNNN