US concerned over potential regional instability amid Rakhine conflict
Calls for media freedom in Bangladesh
US concern over Rakhine conflict
The United States has expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine State and its potential to destabilise the region.
Speaking at a press briefing in Washington yesterday, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasised the urgency of addressing the crisis.
"We are following this development closely. We remain concerned by the conflict and its potential to undermine regional stability and security. Helping resolve the Rohingya refugee crisis remains a priority for us," Miller said.
He commended the people and Government of Bangladesh for their exceptional generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar.
"We will continue to work with Bangladesh to support the Rohingya and members of other vulnerable communities from Burma (Myanmar) who have taken refuge there," Miller added.
Read more
Famine looming in Myanmar's Rakhine state: UN
The ongoing conflict has significantly escalated the humanitarian crisis in the region. The Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group, now controls more than 80 percent of Rakhine State. This region witnessed a mass exodus of approximately 750,000 Rohingya to Bangladesh following a military crackdown in 2017. The situation has worsened in recent months, with renewed clashes between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar Junta forcing an additional 60,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh since July this year.
In response to a question about the arrest of over 30 journalists in Bangladesh, who have been detained for more than 60 days without hearings or bail, Miller reiterated the US stance on press freedom.
"As we made clear to the previous government of Bangladesh, we believe media freedoms ought to be upheld. The freedom of the press must be respected, and such cases should be handled in accordance with the rule of law and with respect for the press," Miller affirmed.
Calls for media freedom in Bangladesh
US concern over Rakhine conflict
The United States has expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine State and its potential to destabilise the region.
Speaking at a press briefing in Washington yesterday, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasised the urgency of addressing the crisis.
"We are following this development closely. We remain concerned by the conflict and its potential to undermine regional stability and security. Helping resolve the Rohingya refugee crisis remains a priority for us," Miller said.
He commended the people and Government of Bangladesh for their exceptional generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar.
"We will continue to work with Bangladesh to support the Rohingya and members of other vulnerable communities from Burma (Myanmar) who have taken refuge there," Miller added.
Read more
Famine looming in Myanmar's Rakhine state: UN
The ongoing conflict has significantly escalated the humanitarian crisis in the region. The Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group, now controls more than 80 percent of Rakhine State. This region witnessed a mass exodus of approximately 750,000 Rohingya to Bangladesh following a military crackdown in 2017. The situation has worsened in recent months, with renewed clashes between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar Junta forcing an additional 60,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh since July this year.
In response to a question about the arrest of over 30 journalists in Bangladesh, who have been detained for more than 60 days without hearings or bail, Miller reiterated the US stance on press freedom.
"As we made clear to the previous government of Bangladesh, we believe media freedoms ought to be upheld. The freedom of the press must be respected, and such cases should be handled in accordance with the rule of law and with respect for the press," Miller affirmed.