East Asia and the Pacific: Urging an End to the Violence in Burma

Urging an End to the Violence in Burma

Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson,
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
June 24, 2011

The United States is concerned by on-going violence in Burma’s
northern Kachin State and other regions of the country and calls for a
halt to hostilities. The Burmese Army and the Kachin Independence Army
began fighting on June 9 and have continued over the past three weeks.
We are particularly concerned by the reports of human rights abuses in
the area, including reports of casualties, rape, and displacement of
thousands of local residents. There have also been reports of clashes
in Karen and Shan states.

We urge all appropriate authorities to ensure, in line with
international standards, adequate support, safety, and protection for
those persons fleeing conflict along Burma’s borders. This recent
violence underscores the need for an inclusive dialogue between the
Government of Burma and opposition and ethnic minority groups to begin
a process of genuine national reconciliation.


PRN: 2011/1055

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