Press Statement by the Ministry f the Office of the State Counsellor on UN Security Council Presidential Statement

Date 6 November 2017

Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Ministry of the Office of the State Counsellor
Press Statement
(7 November 2017)

Press Statement by the Ministry of the Office of the State Counsellor on UN Security Council Presidential Statement, dated 6 November 2017

The Government of Myanmar has taken note of the Presidential Statement issued by the UN Security Council on 6 November 2017.
Myanmar appreciates the stand taken by some members of the Security Council who upheld the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign countries.

We have noted that the Presidential Statement partially acknowledges the dedicated efforts by the Government of Myanmar to bring peace, stability and development to Rakhine State, including the significant strides that have been made in the delivery of humanitarian aid and assistance to all those in need, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or citizenship status.

The issuance of the Presidential Statement ignores the fact that the issues facing Myanmar and Bangladesh today can only be resolved bilaterally, in an amicable manner, between two neighbouring states. Furthermore, the Presidential Statement could potentially and seriously harm the bilateral negotiations between the two countries which have been proceeding smoothly and expeditiously.

As noted in the Presidential Statement, the Bangladesh Minister of Home Affairs visited Nay Pyi Taw from 23 to 25 October 2017. Both countries successfully reached agreement and signed two key documents that will impact positively on border security between the two countries.

Simultaneously, Myanmar Government officials are in close negotiations with the Bangladesh authorities on an arrangement for the return of displaced persons from Rakhine State. The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh has been invited to Myanmar from 16 to 18 November 2017. The intention is to reach an agreement satisfactory to both sides during his visit.

The Government of Myanmar therefore regrets that a Presidential Statement has been issued with regard to a situation that is in the process of being resolved amicably between two neighbouring countries.