Brussels, 05/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - During his visit to Myanmar, the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, called on 3 November for an end to sectarian violence in the state of Rakhine. He also highlighted his serious concerns about the events and their impact on reform and the democratisation of the country. He expressed hope that all the different religious leaders would call for restraint. Barroso explained that “violence needs to stop and urgent humanitarian needs have to be addressed”. He added that the EU was prepared to raise €4 million for immediate humanitarian needs, “provided access to the affected areas is guaranteed”.
Barroso explained that, “peace and reconciliation are within reach in Myanmar” and he also stated that there could be no democracy without peace and no peace without national reconciliation. He said that next year, the European Union would make a €30 million contribution to the ethnic peace process in the country.
The president of the Commission also welcomed the setting up of the Myanmar Peace Centre, created by presidential decree and which will serve as the secretariat for the Union Peace-making Central Committee and the Union Peace-making Work Committee, which are in charge of the peace process. The EU contributed €700,000 towards setting up the centre. Barroso said, “The establishment of the Myanmar Peace Centre is a key step towards ethnic reconciliation and lasting peace in Myanmar. The EU will support the Government and all ethnic stakeholders on the challenging road that lies ahead”. Minister Aung Min explained that, “A new chapter in Myanmar's history is opening up. Creating the MPC expresses the desire of President U Thein Sein for inclusive and enduring peace, and of its will to work with all stakeholders. To date, we have concluded initial ceasefires with ten out of eleven ethnic armed groups. The President has stated clearly in his speech at the UNGA that this is not enough. Genuine peace shall satisfy political aspirations and address grievances of ethnic communities in Myanmar. This can only happen with a non-partisan platform for comprehensive dialogue”.
Interethnic violence has continued in the state of Rakine between Buddhists and Muslims. In October, more than 80 people died and 30,000 were displaced due to the conflicts. During his visit to Myanmar, Barroso met president U Thein Sein, president of the lower house of parliament Thura Shwe Mann, and the opposition leader and 1991 Nobel Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi. (CG/transl.fl)