U.S. deeply concerned over violence in Burma

The United States on Thursday expressed deep concern over recent ethnic and sectarian violence in Burma's Rakhine state, calling for immediate action by Burma's government to quell the unrest. The State Department urges all parties to exercise restraint and halt attacks against Buddhists and Muslims, while joining the international community's call for authorities to grant humanitarian access to affected areas and begin peace-building efforts between the sparing groups.

"The situation in Rakhine state underscores the critical need for mutual respect among all ethnic and religious groups and for serious efforts to achieve national reconciliation in Burma. We urge the people of Burma to work together towards a peaceful, prosperous and democratic country that respects the rights of all of its diverse people," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in Washington. Since Sunday, 56 people have been killed and over 1000 homes torched after violence erupted between ethnic Buddhist Rakhine people, who make up the majority of the state's population, and Muslims, many of whom are Rohingya. (end)