Chittagong, Bangladesh: The British Foreign Secretary William Hague raised Rohingya issues with Burmese government during his visited to Burma on January 5 - 6, according to UK Foreign & Commonwealth office website.
“I raised with the government our concerns about the discrimination faced by the Rohingya minority, who in many cases lack basic civil and political rights,” said The British Foreign Secretary William Hague quoting from Foreign Secretary remarks at his press conference in Burma which was published on UK Foreign & Commonwealth office website.
“In all these areas I hope that the new National Human Rights Commission can demonstrate that it is a truly independent, impartial and effective body. This must include addressing the human rights violations which are a stain on the progress elsewhere in the country.”
“I heard from ethnic minority representatives, reconciliation is the most important challenge facing this country on January 5. Achieving a durable and equitable peace will be complex. But it is essential to meet the aspirations and rights of all the citizens of this diverse country. Sustainable peace must be built on trust and dialogue between all groups, to provide a solid foundation for economic and political progress.”
Two Rohingya representatives - Master Yunus from National Democratic Party for Human Rights (NDPHR) and Abu Taher from National Democratic Party for Development (NDPD) - met British Foreign Secretary William Hague with other ethnic representatives at the residence of the British ambassador in Rangoon January 5 at 5pm- 6pm, according to a source from Rangoon and BBC Burmese.
The two Rohingya representatives highlighted and mentioned about the situation of Rohingya people – Human rights abuses in the Rohingya resided area - and their citizenship rights to Foreign Secretary William Hague at the meeting of ethnic minority representatives. Abu Taher, the Rohingya representative also mentioned about a report and appeal letter of NDPD which was sent to Burmese government that mention to find a solution about Rohingya issue of Arakan.
"I am delighted to be here, making the first visit by a British Foreign Secretary in 56 years.
It has been made possible by the initial steps taken by President Thein Sein, including the release of over 250 political prisoners, the easing of restrictions on the media and political parties and dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD,” said Hague at Rangoon press conference on January 6.
“I have come to hear directly from the country’s leaders what they plan to do to continue progress, and to speak to opposition figures and members of civil society about British support for their endeavours.”
“My message is that if the country continues on this promising path, as we hope it will, we are ready to offer a new relationship based on friendship and prosperity.”
“I have held meetings with the President, the Foreign Secretary, and the Speaker of the Lower House, and I met representatives from ethnic groups. It was a particular honour for me, on the night of January 5 and in the morning of January 6, met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of her Party. She embodies the long struggle for democracy in this country and is an inspiration to me and to countless people around the world.”
The British Government and the British people have a strong commitment to the people of Burmese country, as we have shown by our staunch support for democracy here over many years.
We are ready to move towards a strong, positive and open relationship as reforms take place, and to respond bilaterally and through the EU. We will judge progress by actions and events and will respond in good faith to measures as they are taken
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