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Ambassadors visit riot-torn areas in Rakhine

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Myanmar
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Govt. Myanmar
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Nay Pyi Taw, 4 Nov- Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Thein Htay vowed to protect lives and properties of the citizens, effectively deterring extreme and aggressive actions of the two societies.

Union Minister Lt- Gen Thein Htay together with Rakhine State Chief Minister U Hla Maung Tin, US Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Derek Mitchell, British Ambassador Mr Andrew Heyn, Australian Ambassador Ms Bronte Nadine Moules and departmental heads traveled to villages in Maungtaw to inspect progress in reconstruction tasks yesterday.

The Border Affairs Ministry has so far reconstructed 87 houses in Shweyin Aye Village. They enquired after villagers there and fulfilled the requirements.

The ambassadors put questions to families of Rakhine and Dainek national races about the communal strife.

The Union minister and ambassadors looked round reconstructed houses in Mawyawady Village and enquired after the villagers.

Responsible persons explained reconstruction of houses by BAJ under the arrangement of UNHCR.

The Union minister called for quick start and same quality like the previous houses.

The Union minister and party, and ambassadors held talks with delegated leaders of the two antagonistic societies at Rakhine State government office in Sittway.

U Shwe Ba Thein, a senior citizen from Sittway, disclosed that the two societies reside together for ages. It would be required to have sympathy and control hatred and greed for peace and stability of the state.

He requested measures for guaranteeing no further outbreak of such conflict. The British Ambassador said Britain is preparing to render humanitarian assistance to the conflict areas. He thanked for allowing observation during their tour. He stressed the need for tightening security, citing the specific geographical features of the region in spite of increased security measures recently.

Kyauktaw, Pauktaw, Kyaukpyu, Yathedaung townships are in need of considerable help, pointed out the ambassador, promising to take prompt actions for international assistance.

It is required to take legal actions against offenders as quickly as possible, concluded the ambassador.

The Union minister stressed the need to find out the root cause of the incident, saying that the majority of the people who desire peace face hard time due to the conflict.

The State has announced legal actions against the offenders and manipulators behind the scenes. He added that the State had to allow political activities to some extent in compliance with democratic practice.

The Rakhine State chief minister said adequate security forces have been deployed to conflict areas to restore tranquility and the rule of law.

He called for suggestions to ensure social harmony between the two societies. He concluded that job opportunities for youth in parallel with loan, investment and subsidies to the region for economic development would bring about regional stability and greater progress.