Beijing: Rohingya return readied

Myanmar and Bangladesh are showing their readiness for the return of Rohingya people who escaped conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday.

China, friend of both Bangladesh and Myanmar, hopes to see the two countries properly settle the issue through talks, Wang said when he and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali spoke with reporters on Friday.

Their meeting came a day after Wang met with U Kyaw Tint Swe, Myanmar’s minister for the Office of the State Counselor, in Beijing.

Wang said that after listening to both, he felt strongly that Myanmar is ready to take back those who have taken shelter in Bangladesh, while Bangladesh also wants resolution.

Conditions for repatriation are in place after efforts by the countries and the United Nations, Wang said.

“We very much hope to see the repatriation process, especially the first group for repatriation, start as soon as possible,” he said, adding that China will play a constructive role.

Also on Friday, Wang had tea with Ali and U Kyaw Tint Swe, and reached common understandings on Rakhine, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters.

These included handling the situation in Rakhine state according to China’s proposal for a possible solution. In November, China put forward a plan for a solution, which covers the three phases of halting violence, beginning repatriation and promoting regional development.

They also agreed to begin repatriation as soon as possible and enhance cooperation along the border between Myanmar and Bangladesh to improve people’s lives there, while China also agreed to provide further help in accordance with the two countries’ hopes to better settle the people taking shelter.

“We always believe the issue should be settled through talks between Myanmar and Bangladesh, while the international community can play a constructive role according to the two countries’ will,” Lu said.

China is neighbor to both, who hope for China’s help and support, Lu said. “We certainly cannot walk away when the two neighbors need us,” Lu said.

Over 670,000 ethnic Muslim Rohingya have fled northern Rakhine state since Aug 25. On that date, Rohingya activists are alleged to have carried out an attack on security posts, prompting alleged retribution by Myanmar forces and vigilante groups.

Xinhua contributed to this story.