Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt condemns violent acts against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar

08/04/2012

Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Minister Plenipotentiary Amr Roshdi condemned the acts of violence against Muslims in Myanmar, adding that the visit of the Chargé d'affaires of Egypt in Myanmar to ​​Rakhine, which had witnessed acts of violence between Muslim and Buddhist communities, showed large disparity in the damage that afflicted each side. It was crystal clear that the Muslim areas were more violently and severely affected and the Muslim citizens' properties were substantially damaged.

The Spokesman outlined that since the beginning of the events, Egypt had the initiative to move bilaterally and internationally to prevent its recurrence. The Ambassador of Myanmar in Cairo was summoned to the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry to receive an urgent message from Foreign Minister Mohammed Amr to deliver it to the Foreign Minister of Myanmar. Egypt demanded halting violence against Muslims immediately and taking necessary measures to prevent their recurrence. Furthermore, Egypt made a number of contacts and demarches through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations to confront the issue and stop the violence afflicted on the Muslim community in Myanmar, in addition to the participation of the Chargé d'affaires of Egypt in Myanmar in the aforementioned field visit.

Commenting on the protesters burning and dropping the flag of Myanmar flying on its embassy in Cairo, the Spokesman said that while understanding the feelings of anger felt by all Egyptians for the acts of violence against Muslims in Myanmar, nonetheless, attacking a foreign embassy in Egypt or burning its flag contradicts Egypt's international obligations of protecting and securing the members and buildings of foreign missions on the Egyptian territories, while in this particular case, it does not help the issue of Myanmar Muslims. 

The Spokesman called upon everyone to allow Egypt's efforts and intensive diplomatic contacts to face the situation in a manner that keeps the lives of the Muslim community in Myanmar and maintain their rights, and meanwhile maintain Egypt's image and reputation.

Source : Ministry of Foreign Affairs of  Egypt