ANKARA (AA) - September 17, 2012 - A high-level delegation from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has visited Myanmar to make observations on the acts of violence targeting the Rohingya Muslims living in Rakhine state.
The delegation, dispatched by OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and led by Ambassador Ufuk Gokcen, OIC Permanent Observer to the UN, held a series of talks with Myanmar authorities and explored ways to establish cooperation to achieve inter-communal reconciliation in the country, said a statement from the OIC on Monday.
"The mandate of the mission that took place between September 5-15 was to make preliminary observations as to the root causes of the problem and the effect of the violence that took place in the Rakhine State; to explore the conditions and various aspects of a prospective visit by the OIC Secretary-General; and to make the necessary contacts regarding the ways and means for the OIC to carry out humanitarian assistance and relief operations in the Rakhine State," the statement said.
OIC said, as part of the visit, the delegation had held extensive discussions with regard to the concerns of OIC member states with a view to facilitate bringing sustainable and permanent solutions to the current issues in the context of democratization, reform and development process already underway in Myanmar.
"Ensuring rule of law, inter-communal cohabitation and enjoyment of basic welfare and fundamental human rights by all groups and respect for cultural, ethnic and religious identities and values in the Rakhine State were highlighted by the OIC delegation as the basic expectations of OIC member states," the statement underscored.
The statement also pointed to a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between the OIC and Myanmar's Ministry of Borders Affairs in an effort to implement a humanitarian program for the benefit of all communities living in the State of Rakhine.
The OIC delegation also met with representatives of some international governmental and non-governmental agencies in Myanmar, the statement added.
