BRUSSELS, Feb 26 (KUNA) -- The EU Council of Ministers meeting here Monday took stock of the situation in Myanmar, in particular in Rakhine State, saying it "remains extremely serious." The Council in its conclusions condemned the "ongoing widespread, systematic grave human rights violations committed by Myanmar/Burma military and security forces, including rape and killings." It invited EU High Representative Federica Mogherini to make proposals without delay for an extension of the existing embargo on arms and equipment, which can be used for internal repression, as well as options for its strengthening and for targeted sanctions measures against senior military officers of the Myanmar armed forces responsible for serious and systematic human rights violations.
It also reiterated its condemnation of attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and other militant groups.
The Council noted that more than 680,000 people, mostly Rohingya, fled their homes in Rakhine State and sought refuge in Bangladesh.
The EU called on the Government of Myanmar and the armed forces to allow "credible and independent investigations into alleged serious and systematic human rights violations as reported by various UN bodies, the UN Human Rights Council (HRC)'s Fact-Finding Mission and international human rights organisations.
"Perpetrators of such crimes must be brought to justice without delay," it said.
The EU also reiterated its concern about the continued deterioration of the human rights and security situation in Kachin and Shan States, with increased fighting, reports of civilian casualties and more than 100,000 internal displaced persons. (end) nk.hb