Myanmar to work for dignified return of displaced persons

Myanmar will work closely with friendly countries, including Bangladesh, to ensure the safe and dignified return of displaced persons who have been screened, in accordance with their own wishes, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a release on September 3. Furthermore, the Ministry expressed deep concern over allegations that all individuals currently residing in camps in Bangladesh are from Myanmar, and stated that the issue of accepting displaced persons is a matter to be resolved between the two countries. It was noted that while the ARSA terrorists launched simultaneous attacks on 30 security outposts and one military headquarters in northern Rakhine State on August 25, 2017, resulting in the loss of lives of Myanmar security personnel, government officials, and innocent civilians, and causing numerous injuries, some countries have overlooked the brutal acts of the ARSA terrorists, and it is stated that all forms of terrorism and their actions should be condemned. Due to the terrorist attacks by ARSA terrorists, extremist terrorism, and threats, local ethnic nationals have fled to other towns and villages, and Bengalis from northern Rakhine State have fled to Bangladesh. The statement asserts that actions that undermine Myanmar's image and dignity should not be taken, while ignoring the root causes of these incidents and the actual ground realities. As a sovereign nation, Myanmar has the right to defend itself and to respond to terrorist attacks committed against the country and its people. In responding to terrorist attacks, the Myanmar security forces acted in accordance with the rules of engagement to protect innocent local civilians and their lives and property, and to maintain stability and peace in Rakhine State, it is stated. Moreover, the Ministry clearly condemned the situation where ethnic names that do not exist in Myanmar are being misrepresented and used, and stated that it cannot accept the issuance of statements and pronouncements aimed at gaining political advantage from the related incidents in northern Rakhine State by using such terminology for political purposes. It was also stated that such actions would not be a positive support for Myanmar's sincere efforts and endeavors to accept screened displaced persons in accordance with the agreements reached between Myanmar and Bangladesh in 2017 and 2018. Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Myanmar rejects statements, pronouncements, and media reports, including those on social media, issued due to the political incitement of some countries, without acknowledging the root causes of the incidents that occurred in northern Rakhine State and the actual ground realities.