Kofi Annan expresses deep concern over recent violence in Myanmar

Kofi Anna, who is chair of the Myanmar-government-appointed Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, expressed deep concern Wednesday over the recent violence in Maungtaw of the state, which he warned is plunging into a renewed instability and creating new displacement.

In his statement over the situation, Annan, who was also former UN Secretary-General, called on all communities to renounce violence, urging the security services to act in full compliance with the rule of law.

"Recent events have reinforced the urgency of tackling these challenges in order to find viable solution in the interest of all the people in the state," he said.

"The interest of the people of Rakhine is best served through inclusive dialogue by the promotion of mutual respect and cooperation and by providing local communities with opportunities to live their lives in dignity and to achieve their legitimate aspiration," he said.

The statement called for all communities' constructive engagement with the commission.

The advisory commission on Rakhine state was formed in August to provide recommendation to the Myanmar government on measures for resolving the complex challenges facing Rakhine state.

A series of fightings followed after nine policemen and five soldiers were killed in violent attacks by armed men on Oct. 9 on three border posts in Kyikanpyin of Maungtaw, Kotankauk of Rathedaung and Ngakhuya Office in the state.

Islamic extremists were exposed as being involved in the attacks, which were supported financially by foreign terrorist organizations, the government said.

A dusk-to-dawn curfew is still being imposed on Maungtaw since Oct.10. Endit