Arakan Army issue
UN in contact with all stakeholders to resolve Myanmar crisis: special envoy
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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 Rohingya issue
She said this in response to a question about whether the UN is in contact with the Arakan Army, an insurgent group of Myanmar that 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.
“I've spoken with everyone. I've spoken with all voices, and I'll continue to do so," Ms Julie, also a former foreign minister of Australia, added.
She mentioned that her role is to work with all of the stakeholders involved in Myanmar from within the country and neighboring countries to find a Myanmar-led, inclusive, sustainable solution.”
“And obviously that will involve the safe, voluntary, dignified return of Rohingya to Rakhine State, but that is one aspect of the complexities that we face in Myanmar at present,” she noted.
“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 very 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.
“So I've appreciated the fact that the advisors have made time to meet with me, and I'm looking forward to continuing my engagement and conversations with the leadership here in Bangladesh,” she noted.
The UN envoy is scheduled to visit Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar on Monday.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com