ZCZC
BSS-19
FM-US-ROHINGYA
FM urges US congress to mount pressure on Myanmar
DHAKA, April 10, 2019 (BSS) – Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen has suggested that both houses of the US Congress pass a resolution with clauses on sanctions to perpetrators and entities in Myanmar who persecuted the minority Rohingyas and grossly violated human rights.
He also urged the US to solicit support on Rohingya issues from the countries who maintain close economic and commercial ties with Myanmar and together create pressure on Myanmar to take back its nationals from Bangladesh as per agreements signed.
The Bangladesh foreign minister made the call as he met with Senator Christopher Murphy and USAID Administrator Ambassador Mark Green in Washington on Tuesday, according to a message received here today.
The Rohingya issue was the key focus of the visiting Bangladesh minister’s discussion with the US senior official and lawmaker.
In his meeting with Senator Murphy, Momen said the Myanmar authorities took back some Rohingyas in the 1990s when they were isolated internationally.
However this time they have not taken the required measures to implement the agreements to repatriate the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Senator Murphy gave assurances to remain beside Bangladesh in dealing with this crisis.
At the meeting with the USAID Administrator, Bangladesh foreign minister thanked the USA for standing beside the Rohingyas with material help as well as political support.
He said the problem was created by Myanmar and the solution lies with Myanmar too.
It is extremely critical to create international pressure on the Myanmar military so that they stop persecution on the Rohingyas and create conducive environment to facilitate the latter’s safe return.
Green said a peaceful resolution to the Rohingya issue is not just Bangladesh’s concern, rather it is a responsibility of the global community.
He said that USAID will continue financial support to the Rohingyas and the host community.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Mohammad Ziauddin accompanied the Foreign Minister during the meetings.
BSS/PR/TA/BR/1740