Desk Report :
Dhaka and Nay Pyi Taw are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh.
Both the sides will sign the deal tilted ‘Arrangement on Return of Displaced Persons to Rakhine State’ in Myanmar’s capital Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday.
“We had a good discussion today (Wednesday). We hope to sign the deal today (Thursday),’ Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali told reporters at a hotel lobby after a meeting with his Myanmar counterpart Kyauw Tint Swe.
The two ministers led their respective sides in the meeting that started at 5:10pm and ended at 6:20pm (local time).
Foreign secretary M Shahidul Haque, Bangladesh Ambassador in Yangon M Sufiur Rahman and representatives from home ministry and Prime Minister’s Office also attended the meeting.
Earlier, the foreign minister and the Myanmar’s minister for State Counsellor’s office had a marathon meeting when they discussed various issues of bilateral interest, including Rohingya issue.
Soon after the one-to-one lengthy meeting, the foreign minister attended the ministerial meeting on ‘Arrangement on Return of Displaced Persons to Rakhine State’.
Another lengthy meeting attended by the senior officials took place at the same venue.
The foreign minister will hold the final talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Thursday. Amid mounting international pressure, Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday said they have planned to sign a MoU with Bangladesh this week which will enable them to start the repatriation process of all the Rohingyas from Bangladesh to Myanmar.
“What we’re trying to do is to sign an MoU that will enable us to start the repatriation of all those refugees who’ve gone over the border,’ she told a crowded press conference at Myanmar International Convention Centre in Nay Pyi Taw.
Suu Kyi said, the Asian and the European countries are keen to help Myanmar in its efforts to bring about peace and stability in Rakhine as quickly as possible.
Bangladesh and Myanmar on Wednesday began their long-sought two-day talks with high hopes that it will yield outcome to sign a MoU enabling both the countries to start the repatriation process of all the Rohingyas from Bangladesh to their homeland Myanmar.
The international community is also watching the talks and its subsequent outcome, as they want to see the safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas as quickly as possible.
Bangladesh wants the involvement of the international community, including the UN in verification process, which is yet to be accepted by Myanmar side.
Foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali, who led the Bangladesh delegation at the ASEM Foreign Ministers’ summit, overstayed Nay Pyi Taw to further discuss the repatriation process with Myanmar leaders on Wednesday and Thursday.
European Union high representative Federica Mogherini has expressed her hope that Bangladesh and Myanmar will reach a decision to sign a MoU and an agreement on safe repatriation of Rohingyas from Bangladesh.
She said the EU is supporting this process and will stand ready to accompany this process in the coming week.
Over 6,20,000 Rohingyas crossing the border have taken shelter in Cox’s Bazar district since August 25.
