ROHINGYA CRISIS
US focus mainly on diplomatic solution
Keeps sanctions against Myanmar as an option
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
The United States has reminded the parties the availability of sanctions tools to be used against Myanmar for its security forces atrocities against Rohingyas, but placed greater emphasis on a diplomatic solution rather than through other means.
Bangladesh, in the meantime, has described the US as one of the strongest supporters with regard to the Rohingya crisis.
Our purpose here is to solve the problem. And, we are going to pursue a diplomatic solution to this problem until we can no longer pursue it, visiting US undersecretary of state for political affairs Thomas Shannon told a questioner at a joint press briefing with his Bangladeshi counterpart Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque after the plenary session of the sixth Bangladesh-US partnership at the state guest house Padma.
And, it is our intent working with our partners in the region, working with the government of Bangladesh, working through international institutions and organisations like the United Nations to begin to address the humanitarian crisis where Rohingyas are suffering and look for ways to address the reasons for their fleeing. Thats our purpose, he added.
Shannon, the third man at the US state department, was asked, given the plight of Rohingyas what it would take for Washington and its allies to take punitive measures including military action against Myanmar as they did with regard to Bosnia Herzegovina back in 90s. To another question regarding sanctions, he said that there have been some positive movements on the part of Myanmar in regards to Rohingya crisis.
The Burmese have been opened to receiving members of the international community; they have been open to receiving our diplomats. Our diplomats have been able to visit north Rakhine. Our diplomats have been able to meet with the state government officials and (central) government officials, said the undersecretary.
There have been diplomatic and official engagements between Bangladesh and Myanmar, he said.
Engagements are taking place. Dialogue is taking place. Now, it is our purpose to try to find a way to capture that and continue to move forward to some kind of solution, said Shannon.
As we have noted publicly before that we have variety of sanctions tools available to us should we decide to use them, he said, adding, this will be a part of larger efforts of pressure. Right now, our purpose is to solve the problem, not to punish, he said.
Responding to another question, Shannon said that Washington is working with all the relevant organisations of UN structure and international institutions.
In his opening remarks about the meeting, he said, I reiterated the alarm expressed by officials at the highest levels of the US government, including President Trump, Vice President Pence, and Secretary Tillerson, regarding the scale of the atrocities that are being reported in northern Rakhine State.
I conveyed our deep appreciation and respect for the generosity of the government and people of Bangladesh in responding to the over half a million Rohingya refugees who have arrived in Bangladesh since August 25, he added.
Bangladesh is an anchor for stability and prosperity in the region, and we appreciate the governments commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, said the US senior official.
Just last month, Secretary Tillerson delivered a major policy speech on this topic, and many of our conversations today centered on those same principles and ideals he outlined for the Indian Ocean region, such as responsible growth and counterterrorism cooperation. We are grateful to be able to count Bangladesh as a close and reliable partner in these endeavours, he said.
Replying to another question, Shannon made it known that Foreign Secretary Haque raised the issue of a convicted killer of Bangabandhu who is now residing in the US.
Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Secretary Haque said that both sides had a very long and productive discussions on the matter related to Rohingyas.
Let me put this on record that the United States is one of the strongest supporters of Bangladesh on this matter, he said, adding that the US has so far taken 31 concrete measures so that the Myanmar government addresses the issue.
In the plenary session, co-chaired by Haque and Shannon, both sides discussed important issues of bilateral, regional and global interest and concern apart from the Rohingya crisis, according to a foreign ministry press release.
The session of the working groups of the dialogue took place on November 1.
UNB adds: The United States will continue its support to Bangladesh over Rohingya issue keeping up pressure on Myanmar to take back from Bangladesh its forcibly-evicted nationals.
The assurance came when US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas A Shannon met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganobhaban yesterday evening.
After the meeting, PMs Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.
Echoing the US Under Secretary of State, Sheikh Hasina said the pressure on Myanmar as well as engagement will have to be kept up to peacefully resolve the Rohingya crisis.
The Prime Minister recalled her visit to Rohingya camps in Coxs Bazar and narrated the untold sufferings and plight of the Rohingya people, especially that of women and children.
Hasina said her government has given shelter to tens of thousands of Rohingyas on humanitarian grounds.
She compared the recent exodus of Rohingya nationals into Bangladesh with the situation created in 1971 when huge people from Bangladesh took shelter in neighbouring India during the Liberation War.
About combating terrorism, Hasina reiterated her call to stop the source of money and funding of the terrorists saying, The US can play a vital role in this regard, she said.
Regarding cyber security, Hasina said it is a very important issue and Bangladesh needs US support in this regard in addition to sharing information to combat it.
On terrorism issue, Shannon highly praised Bangladesh for combating terrorism.
He also appreciated Bangladeshs stunning socioeconomic development under the Prime Minister. Bangladesh is now a remarkable example and model of self-development and self-confidence.
Paying tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the US under secretary of state said he visited Bangabandhu Memorial Museum to pay homage to the great leader.
The Press Secretary also said the issue of extradition of the fugitive convicted killer of Bangabandhu Rashed Chowdhury also came up for discussion at the meeting.
PMs International Affairs Secretary Dr Gowher Rizvi and Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA M Ziauddin and US Ambassador to BangladeshMarcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat.
