UN in contact with all parties to resolve Rohingya crisis

The UN Special Envoy on Myanmar, Ms Julie Bishop, on Sunday said she is in talks with all the stakeholders in a bid to resolve the Rohingya issue.

She said this in response to a question whether the UN is in contact with the Arakan Army, an insurgent group of Myanmar which is now in control of the Rakhine State, the homeland of the Rohingya people.

"As special envoy I am speaking with everyone who has an interest in resolving the current conflict and the internal crisis in Myanmar. So I'm speaking with everyone hearing from all voices, all who have an interest in seeking a solution to this very complex and long-running crisis," she told reporters at the foreign ministry after her meeting with foreign adviser Touhid Hossain.

Ms Julie, also a former foreign minister of Australia, mentioned that her role is to work with all of the stakeholders involved in Myanmar from within the country and neighbouring countries to find a Myanmar-led inclusive and sustainable solution.

"And obviously that will involve the safe, voluntary, dignified return of Rohingyas to Rakhine State, but that is one aspect of the complexities that we face in Myanmar at present. I'm here in my capacity as the United Nations Secretary General, special envoy on Myanmar, and I am meeting with senior representatives of the interim government."

Regarding her visit, she said, the United Nations is well-aware of the support that Bangladesh has been providing to refugees leaving particularly Rakhine State, and she is here to work more broadly with Bangladesh to try and find solutions.

The UN envoy is scheduled to visit Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar today (Monday).

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com