UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday "condemned in the strongest terms" attacks in the northern areas of Rakhine State in Myanmar targeting police, reportedly killing scores of people.
The bloodshed follows by only one day release of a report from a commission headed up by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan warning that if ethnic tensions in the western state are not addressed more people would be radicalized and recommended lifting of sanctions against the Rohingya minority.
"The (current) secretary-general condemns in the strongest terms the attacks carried out against the Myanmar security forces in northern areas of Rakhine State," said the spokesman for Guterres, Stephane Dujarric. "He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. He hopes those responsible for this unacceptable violence will be swiftly brought to justice."
"The secretary-general has been closely following developments in Rakhine State and is concerned over the escalating tensions in the region," the spokesman said. "He reiterates the importance of addressing the root causes of violence, in particular issues related to identity and citizenship, and reducing inter-communal tensions. He strongly urges all the communities in Rakhine State to choose the path of peace."
Rohingyas are a Muslim ethnic minority in a Buddhist nation, denied citizenship in Myanmar. The government regards them -- numbering about 1 million people -- as illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh.
"Extremist Bengali insurgents attacked a police station in Maungdaw region in northern Rakhine state with a handmade bomb explosive and held coordinated attacks on several police posts," a government statement said.
The UN spokesman said the secretary-general stressed that "while taking the necessary measures to curb attacks by criminal elements in the region, the security forces must protect civilians at all times, in line with international humanitarian and human rights law."
