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Rakhine Issue-Related Statements by Goverments

 

Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Ministry of the Office of the State Counsellor

“Press Release on the Situation in Maungdaw”

(11 August 2017)

  1.  To bring about national reconciliation, peace and development in Rakhine, the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is striving, with both long term and short term plans, to resolve the issues between the two communities. This includes provision of humanitarian assistances from both international and domestic resources, and development of basic infrastructure in the region. Priorities are given to building roads, bridges and enhanced access to electricity in the Rakhine region.
  2. Currently, (13) out of (20) townships in Rakhine State and their adjacent (184) villages have access to electricity. Electricity is distributed in Buthidaung and Maungdaw Townships by utilizing diesel generators. Additionally, a team from the Union Ministry concerned joined by the Rakhine State government has been sent to Rakhine on 11-8-2017 to conduct a feasibility survey to evaluate the possibility of electrification of townships that do not have electricity.
  3. Long term plans are being implemented for development of transportation and infrastructure in the Rakhine State. For the effective maintenance of peace, security and rule of law, priorities are given to building connecting roads, bridges and concrete roads to link eastern to western parts of the May Yu mountain range in Sittwe and Maungdaw Districts.
  4.  While the Government is implementing the above development plans and striving to maintain peace and security in Maungdaw District in Rakhine State, extremists are stepping up their terrorist activities in the region. Up to 9th August, (59) innocent people are murdered and (33) had gone missing. Many administrators, village heads and those who are believed to be cooperating with the government and those who talked to media are being killed. Latest situation is that (7) Mro ethnic nationals are killed by these extremists. They are making death threats in order to prevent the people from cooperating with the government as well as to disrupt the national verification process and peace and security of the region. These dastardly acts must be condemned by everyone.
  5.  The Government is handling the situation strictly within standing laws, rules and regulation. Taking advantage, the extremists are stepping up their terrorist activities in the region. The Government will resolutely take effective action against these terrorist acts in accordance with law. To protect the innocent civilians, security enforcement will be enhanced in the region. At the same time, actions will be taken against all extremists and those who abet their extremism. The Government is working together with Tatmadaw security forces to quell these stepped up terrorist acts including issuance of Article 144 curfew in necessary areas in order to establish and maintain peace, stability and security in the region.
  6. We urge the people, political parties, NGOs, friendly countries and international community to show support by opposing the extremist terrorist acts.

Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Statement by the State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on today’s attacks in Rakhine State

25 August 2017

I strongly condemn today’s brutal attacks by terrorists on security forces in Rakhine State. I would like to commend the members of the police and security forces who have acted with great courage in the face of many challenges. My thoughts are with the members of the police and security forces who have lost their lives, and their families, friends and colleagues. The government had been aware of the risk of attacks to coincide with the release of the Commission’s final report yesterday and had issued instruction to relevant Union Ministers.

It is clear that today’s attacks are a calculated attempt to undermine the efforts of those seeking to build peace and harmony in Rakhine State. We must not allow our work to be derailed by the violent actions of extremists. The government remains firm in its commitment to finding meaningful and lasting solutions to the issues in Rakhine.

I welcome the constructive approach taken by the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State in their final report yesterday. I welcome also the strong condemnation of the attacks today by the Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Kofi Annan.

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar Anti-terrorism Central Committee

Order No.1/2017

1379 MY 4 Waxing Day of Tawthalin

(25 August 2017)

ARAKAN ROHINGYA SALVATION ARMY (ARSA) DECLARED AS TERRORISTGROUP

The Anti-Terrorism Central Committee has issued this Order with the approval of the Union Government in exercise of the Anti-Terrorism law Section-72 Sub-section (B).

  1. . The Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has formed various committees to undertake the tasks to ensure security, stability and peace, rule of law and regional development in Rakhine State. It has also carried out regional security and development tasks and provided health care services fulfilling the requirements of theState
  2. . On 9 October 2016, the terrorists launched a surprise attack on the No.1 Border Guard Police Command Headquarters (Kyikanpyin), police outpost at Kotankauk and the Ngakhuya local administrative office. In that incident, 9 policemen were killed and 48 assorted arms, 6624 bullets, 47 bayonets, and 164 bullet cartridges seized by the terrorists. Investigation reveals that terrorists had infiltrated the area where the majority of the residents were Muslims and organized violent attacks to escalate terrorist acts in that area.
  3. In response to the situation, Border Guard Police Command No.1 reinforced troops and has beencollaborating with the Tatmadaw to provide security in the region. The multiple killings, threats and propaganda have adversely affected the process for regional peace and rule of law. Clearance operations in May Yu mountain range have also uncovered multiple terrorist training camps.
  4. On 25 August, extremist terrorist groups again launched sneak attacks on 30 police outposts in Maungtaw, Buthidaung and Yathedaung townships as well as against the Regiment Headquarters in Taungthazar village.10 police officers, 1 soldier and 1 immigration officer were killed. 9 security officers and a number of civilians were wounded.6 firearms were lost.
  5.  The Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar strongly condemns these terrorist acts and will do all in its power to prevent them from occurring again.It will strive to bring the perpetrators to justice.
  6.  The Union Government hereby declares that the ArakanRohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and its supporters, responsible for the acts of terrorism,as a terrorist groupin accordance with the Counter-Terrorism Law Section 6, Sub-Section 5.

Chairman Anti-Terrorism Central Committee

U.S. Embassy Statement Condemning Attacks in Northern Rakhine State

We condemn the attacks that took place overnight against the security forces, and we offer condolences to victims and their families. We recognize the government and security forces have the responsibility to act to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further violence, and we urge them to do so in a way that protects all innocent civilians. We also urge all communities to ensure their rhetoric and their actions contribute to restoration of peace and stability.