Nikkei Asian Review, Yangon :
Myanmar’s army chief has denounced the United Nations’ criticism of the country’s treatment of its Rohingya Muslim minority, saying it lacked historical context. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of Myanmar’s armed forces, said the U.N.’s recent comments on the situation in Rakhine State, which is home to many Rohingya, are “totally contrary to the situation on the ground, as the global organization just uses the recent crisis as the base without taking into account the long and emotional history” of the region. The general’s comments were published Tuesday by military headquarters on its Facebook page. It said Min Aung Hlaing made the remarks during a meeting a day earlier with Jeffery Feltman, undersecretary-general for political affairs at the U.N., who was visiting Myanmar. The army has said it will investigate possible breaches of law during its sweeps against armed Rohingya militants. According to the Facebook page, Min Aung Hlaing said that “local people did not accept the accusation that the Tatmadaw [the military’s official name] solved the problem of terror attacks with [disproportionate force].” He defended the military’s campaign so far, saying, “The number of innocent lives lost, [along with those of] service personnel and police were reduced.”
Regarding the humanitarian assistance extended by the U.N., he said, “[The people] were suspicious of the seizures of foreign relief aid in Bengali terrorist camps.” He also suggested international organizations may be barred from the area if they failed to meet preconditions. “Any organization may contact the Central Committee for the implementation of Rakhine State Peace, Stability and Development, led by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.” Feltman arrived in Myanmar on Oct. 13 and was scheduled to leave Tuesday. He also met with Suu Kyi on Monday. The details of their meeting were not disclosed.
