Roundup: Stability urged to effectuate development of Myanmar's Rakhine state

Kofi Annan, chairman of Myanmar government-appointed Rakhine State Advisory Commission, called Tuesday for stability in Myanmar's Rakhine state to effectuate development of the region, parts of which were affected by armed attacks on police posts and alleged human rights abuse recently.

"We had the opportunity to discuss at high levels and we are told that humanitarian access will be given for aid to reach the needy," Annan made the remarks at the end of his eight-day trip to the state on a fact-finding mission as tasked by the government.

Annan disclosed that he also discussed with high-level government personnel about access to information in northern Rakhine to be able to refute widespread rumors about rights abuse in the area.

During his visit, Annan met with President U Htin Kyaw, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing successively and had discussions with them on reconciliation, freedom of movement, citizenship verification and economic and social development of the state as well as preservation and promotion of rich cultural heritage there.

Meeting with leaders and peoples of the two communities in parts of Rakhine state affected by recent violence and areas that remained peaceful during his trip, Annan expressed deep concern by the reports of alleged human rights abuses.

He acknowledged the role of the security forces in protecting the interest of Rakhine state, urging security services to act in full compliance with rule of law.

He also stressed that security operations must not impede humanitarian access to the population.

For the stability and development of Rakhine state, he also emphasized the need to work together with neighboring countries to control trans-border migration.

The commission will submit an interim report on the regional issue to the president within the first two months of next year and the final report to follow a year from now, he said.

Annan's commission was mandated to submit recommendations to the government on how it may promote reconciliation, strengthen local institutions, advance development, resolve conflict and provide humanitarian aid in Rakhine state.

The nine-member advisory commission was formed in August to resolve the protracted Rakhine regional issue.

Annan has been in the state to listen to the voices of local officials and residents since Nov. 29 as part of the process to compile the report.

Tension has been going on in the northern state, especially after Oct. 9 violent attacks by armed men on three border posts in Maungtaw. The violence has plunged the state into a renewed instability and created new displacement.

The incident has also promoted the government to form a 13-member investigation commission, led by First Vice President U Myint Swe, to probe into the background of Oct. 9 violent attacks. Enditem