Suu Kyi claims progress in Rakhine issue

Breaking News August 07, 2018

By Eleven Myanmar

Asia News Network, Yangon

Eighty-one out of 88 points in respect of Rakhine issue proposed by Kofi Annan's Commission have been already implemented, but remaining points must be coped through a step-by-step approach as they are considered as long-term matters, said State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, received Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and party at her office in Nay Pyi Taw on August 6 and they held a joint press conference.

Regarding the question of a Japanese journalist, Aung San Suu Kyi replied, "Dr Kofi Annan's Commission proposed 88 points. More than 80 points have been already implemented. The commission already mentioned that remaining six to seven points were considered as long-term matters and therefore they would be undertaken through a step-by-step approach. We would carry out the tasks like so. Short-term and long-term matters could be witnessed in the report of Kofi Annan's report. Citizenship is also the same matter.

"The central committee was formed to carry out rule of law and development since our government took office. We formed it as we knew how to deal with long-term issues in Rakhine. Just before the start of the central committee, the first terrorist attacks occurred along with other issues. We will have to tackle the problems step by step."

She added that the independent investigation commission would be given exclusive rights to carry out its work and that its members were qualified and she expressed her hope that other friendly countries, including Japan, would offer technical assistance to the commission.

Our government has to listen to different kinds of views and voices. The people outside of the country can view as they like. The government inside the country has to take all different views into consideration and has to seek a certain solution capable of dealing with all problems. We hear voices that our government must do much work. There is an effort to get a solution between two communities, but it will take some time to implement this matter, said Aung San Suu Kyi.

Rakhine issue is very complex. In addition to human rights and humanitarian matters, it is required to eradicate poverty facing the whole Rakhine State. State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has an enormous capacity, said Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

But steps, including bringing harmony between the two communities in Rakhine State, need to be firm in the long-run. The government of Japan will work together with Myanmar government, which is trying to resolve difficult issues, and will explain Myanmar's efforts to the international community, said Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.