"In Rakhine, I will observe directly the condition in the province. I will observe not only Rohingya Muslims but also other ethnic groups in Rakhine. I will see what is really happening and find what real problem is there," the foreign minister said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa will visit Rakhine to observe the condition of the Buddhist-Muslim conflict area in the Myanmarese province on Monday.
"In Rakhine, I will observe directly the condition in the province. I will observe not only Rohingya Muslims but also other ethnic groups in Rakhine. I will see what is really happening and find what real problem is there," the foreign minister said here on Friday.
The minister said that he would visit Myanmar at the invitation of Myanmarese President Thein Sein. He is scheduled to observe the condition directly in the province.
"After the conflict in June 2012, all life facilities of the Rohingya ethnic group, particularly the sources of their income, are damaged so that they need assistance," Marty said.
He said his side has prepared assistance worth US$1 million to help alleviate their burden. The Buddhist and Muslim conflict in Rakhine has claimed many lives.
But the Rohingya ethnic group suffered most because many of them were forced to leave their homeland. Rohingya Muslims were stateless because they were not recognized by the Myanmarese government.
They were also believed to have fallen victim to violence by the Myanmarese security officers. The Rohingya Muslims were forced to stay in refugee camps, expecting assistance from donors.
Some have to migrate and leave secretly without the knowledge of security officers in the borders between Thailand and Bangladesh.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
