Myanmar should start Rohingya repatriation soon

Myanmar should start Rohingya repatriation soon, and it must ensure that they return to a society where there are security, peace, justice and better prospects for everyone, said Singapore's Foreign Minister (FM) Vivian Balakrishnan.

The next step has to be repatriation, since an agreement was signed between Myanmar and Bangladesh in last November, Dr Balakrishnan told Singaporean media in New York, reports the Straits Times on Monday.

"It is now September. At some point, in order to remain credible, you have to see some movements... on a voluntary basis. You need to see that the Rohingyas are able to return in a dignified and safe manner. That's the next step, and it's an important confidence-building step."

"But we also have to be cognizant that the long-term solution is a political solution."

Without that underlying foundation it will not be possible to solve the Rakhine state problem, which has been prevailing for a long time, he added.

At an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the key point made to Myanmar was that "we stand ready to help", said Dr Balakrishnan.

The important next step is that the refugees are repatriated in a safe and dignified manner, which needs to occur soon.

"ASEAN will work with Myanmar to facilitate the process. This is something we will have to watch in the next few weeks or next few months."

ASEAN supported the Independent Commission of Enquiry, appointed by the Myanmar government in July, to collect evidence of serious international crimes committed in the country.

"We expect this inquiry to be conducted impartially, expeditiously, independently, and hold the people responsible fully accountable," Dr Balakrishnan said.

But he also urged all concerned to focus on the humanitarian crisis.

"Right now, a million people are suffering. There's a humanitarian disaster… unacceptable in this day and age," said the FM.

"These people need help, and we have to make sure that humanitarian assistances reach to them. And we're also grateful to Bangladesh for hosting them in the interim," he added.

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