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The European Union has called for steps to ensure voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingyas to their places of origin in Rakhine State.
The High Representative of the EU in a declaration on Myanmar said"…conditions for voluntary, safe and dignified return to their places of origin have to be put in place,"
In the context of the 13th ASEM Foreign Ministers meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on November 20-21, the European Union welcomed the way forward outlined by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, starting by swiftly finalising a bilateral agreement with Bangladesh on return, and proceeding with implementing recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State.
It remains a strong and committed supporter of Myanmar's democratic transition, the EU said
The humanitarian and human rights situation in Rakhine State remains extremely serious, reads the deceleration, according to a report on UNB agency.
The EU reiterated its call for the immediate end to all violence and the establishment of non-discriminatory rule of law and civilian administration in Rakhine State.
The restoration of humanitarian access for the United Nations and international aid agencies is critical, it said.
Recalling Council’s conclusions on Myanmar of 16 October 2017, the European Union called on the government of Myanmar to ensure accountability for those responsible for committing atrocities.
On Monday morning, European Union High Representative Federica Mogherini expressed her hope that Bangladesh and Myanmar would reach a decision to sign an MoU and an agreement on safe repatriation of Rohingyas from Bangladesh to their homeland Myanmar.
"There’s a real possibility for Myanmar and Bangladesh reaching an MoU and an agreement for the safe repatriation of refugees (Rohingyas)," she told a small group of reporters, including the UNB correspondent, after a photo session with ASEM Foreign Ministers.
Federica Mogherini said the EU is supporting this process and will stand ready to accompany this process in the coming weeks.
In the morning, the EU top diplomat had informal meetings restricted with some ministers on the situation in Rakhine State.
"That was extremely encouraging. We discuss the need to start implementing the Annan Commission Report," Federica Mogherini said adding that she is very encouraged by "willingness and readiness" of the Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi going that direction.
The European Union and its Member States are delivering more than half of the total financial support to the Rohingyas, and they said they will continue to support them, as well as the government of Bangladesh and its people.
"It’s, I think, a responsibility of the authorities to find solutions. Again, the international community has indicated some of the solutions, especially the Kofi Annan plan that Aung San Suu Kyi has committed to implement, and we’re there to support her in doing this," she said during her Bangladesh visit before coming to Myanmar.
The Bangladesh government is negotiating with the government of Myanmar now on repatriation issue.
The EU is trying to help the two countries find a sustainable solution.
Minutes before opening session of the ASEM Foreign Ministers Meeting, the EU diplomat said they are here to discuss economic cooperation, climate change, peace and security issues at the meeting.
"We’re partners. I believe these two days will represent strengthening our partnership between Europe and Asia," she said.
