A+ A-

US urges immediate end to violence in Burma

WASHINGTON, Dec 6 (KUNA) -- The US urged an immediate end to ongoing violence in Burma late Tuesday, following reports by United Nations officials of possible genocide.
The US called on an "immediate end to violence, restoration of the rule of law, countrywide access for the UN Fact-Finding Mission, immediate humanitarian and media access to affected areas, and guaranteed and verifiably safe, voluntary, and dignified return for those who want to return to their homes," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert released in a statement following a special session on Burma at the UN Human Rights Council.
UN officials have reported Burma's security forces treatment of the Rohingya Muslim minority may constitute crimes against humanity, and have suggested that none of the 626,000 Rohingya who have fled violence since August should be repatriated to Burma unless there was robust monitoring on the ground.
Nauert noted, "respect for human rights of all peoples is a fundamental element of democracy and the United States stands ready to support the elected civilian government in its efforts to achieve peace, stability, and prosperity for all of Burma." (end) hy.mb