US declares military attacks on Rohingya as ethnic cleansing

WASHINGTON DC: The United States yesterday labelled the Myanmar military operation against the Rohingya as “ethnic cleansing”, and said it would consider targeted sanctions against those responsible.

Referring to “horrendous atrocities” against the Rohingya, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said: “After a careful and thorough analysis of facts, it is clear that the situation in northern Rakhine State constitutes ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya.”

Although a top United Nations official in September described the military actions as a textbook case of “ethnic cleansing”, Tillerson left Myanmar after a visit last week without using the label.

His statement made clear the US stance had shifted.

In Vatican City, it was reported that Pope Francis would meet the head of Myanmar’s army on a visit to the country, and Rohingya refugees while he is in Bangladesh, both late additions to his tour next week.

Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said the pope would meet Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on Nov 30 in a church residence in Yangon.

Myanmar Cardinal Charles Maung Bo had talks with the pope in Rome on Saturday, and suggested that he add a meeting with the general to the schedule. Both the pope and the general agreed.

The pope will also meet state leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Naypyidaw on Nov 28.

Burke said a “a small group” of Rohingya refugees would be present at an interreligious meeting for peace in Dhaka on Dec 1. Reuters