19/12/2017 (Agence Europe) – The EU called on 18 December for the release of two Reuters journalists arrested in Yangon. “We expect the Myanmar authorities to ensure the full protection of their rights and to release the journalists as quickly as possible”, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service made clear. The spokesperson stated that freedom of the press and media is the foundation and a cornerstone of any democracy. It is believed the journalists have been accused of “sending important security documents concerning the security forces in Rakhine State out of the country”. The spokesperson said that the EU reiterates its call to the Myanmar government to ensure transparency and to make serious efforts in order to hold accountable all those involved in serious human rights abuses in the context of the ongoing crisis in Rakhine State. (CG)