Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Statement of ASEAN Foreign Ministers on the Recent Developments in the Rakhine State, Myanmar, Phnom Penh

Statement of ASEAN Foreign Ministers on the Recent Developments in the Rakhine State, Myanmar, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 17 August 2012
Following consultations, ASEAN Foreign Ministers issue the following statement:
1.    ASEAN Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their strong support for the ongoing democratization process in Myanmar. Within the context of such positive progress, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers are following closely recent developments in the Rakhine State, Myanmar, following the incidents that took place on 28 May 2012 and on 3 June 2012. 

2.    They welcomed the steps the Government of Myanmar has taken to address the domestic issue, including its cooperation with the United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations to address the humanitarian needs of the affected persons and communities. They further encouraged Myanmar to continue and to enhance the steps it has taken. 

3.    ASEAN Foreign Ministers expressed their readiness, upon the request of the Government of Myanmar, to lend necessary support in addressing the humanitarian assistance in the Rakhine State. 

4.    ASEAN Foreign Ministers recalled and underlined that the promotion of national solidarity and harmony among the various communities in Myanmar constitute an integral part of Myanmar’s ongoing democratization and reform process. They expressed confidence and expectation that Myanmar will continue to remain consistent with its commitment on the irreversibility of the democratization and reform process in the country.