The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has observed that certain countries and international organizations issued statements and made remarks on the incident that took place in Rakhine State in August 2017.
The Ministry recalls that, in fact, the incident was caused by the coordinated and synchronized attacks of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army – ARSA terrorist groups on 30 police outposts and a Regiment Headquarter. But certain countries and organizations have purposely neglected their brutal acts. At that time, the security forces, including Tatmadaw, were forced to the attacks by the ARSA in accord with the rule of engagement, to maintain peace and stability in the area as well as to protect the local populace. Thus, the Ministry highlights that the incident that took place on 25 August 2017 was purely terrorist acts committed by ARSA and that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations should be condemned.
The Ministry stresses that the term “Rohingya” has not been found in any historical and legal documents of Myanmar. Thus, deliberately using such terms and issuing statements and remarks to politicize the incident would not give any constructive support to Myanmar’s sincere efforts at early commencement of repatriation of verified displaced persons based on the bilateral arrangements between Myanmar and Bangladesh reached in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
In accordance with the principle of leaving no one behind, the Government of Myanmar delivered humanitarian assistance to needy people of all communities in Rakhine State in response to Cyclone Mocha.
The Government of Myanmar is committed to working with Bangladesh, friendly countries and partners to implement the successful repatriation of the displaced persons after conducting a verification process.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly rejects the politically motivated statements and remarks made by certain countries and international organizations without recognizing the root cause and the on-ground situation of the said incident.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Nay Pyi Taw
28 August 2023