Advisory commission calls for stability in Myanmar western state for development

Kofi Annan, chairman of Myanmar government-appointed Rakhine State Advisory Commission, on Tuesday called for stability in Myanmar's Rakhine state for development of the region.

Annan made the remarks at a press conference here at the end of his eight-day trip to the state on a fact-finding mission as tasked by the government.

He said that his commission would submit its interim report on the issue to the President within the first two months of next year and the final report to follow a year from now.

Meeting with leaders and peoples of the two communities in Rakhine state during his trip, Annan discussed with them reconciliation, freedom of movement, citizenship verification, economic and social development of the state as well as preservation and promotion of rich cultural heritage of the state, he said.

These issues had been touched upon when he met with President U Htin Kyaw on Monday and State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing on Tuesday, he said.

During the past few days, Annan visited parts of northern Rakhine state affected by recent violence as well as areas that remained peaceful, he said, stressing civilians must be protected all times and security services must comply with the rule of law.

The nine-member advisory commission was formed by the Myanmar government in August with the aim of resolving the protracted Rakhine regional issue.

Tension has been going on in the northern state, especially after Oct. 9 violent attacks by armed men on three government border posts in Maungtaw. Endit