‘US focused on improving situation for Rohingyas’

The United States remains focused on steps that will improve the situation for Rohingya refugees and all people in Myanmar as well as promoting accountability for those that were responsible for these atrocities, said Deputy Spokesperson at US Department of State Robert Palladino.

“Specifically, our efforts are aimed at easing suffering and addressing some of the root causes of these conflicts, and to urge greater humanitarian access inside of Burma (Myanmar) is something that we are – that we remain very much focused on. We’ve been – and I’ll leave it at that,“ Palladino said while briefing media at Washington, DC yesterday (December 11).

Asked, Palladino said, “Last year the department concluded that horrific atrocities had taken place in Burma’s northern Rakhine State.”

“That conclusion of ethnic cleansing, to your question, in no way prejudices any potential further analysis on whether mass atrocities have taken place, including genocide or crimes against humanity,” he said.

Asked if the US is actively pursuing a further investigation into whether these acts would constitute genocide, Palladino said they are open to new information in this regard.

“We continue – we’re open to new information and no – yes. And so the Vice President has been clear as well. Violence and persecution by the military and vigilantes that drove all these people out is without excuse. And the United States will remain focused on steps that will improve the lot of the refugees as well as all the people of Burma and to hold those accountable that are responsible.”

source: thedailystar