British MEP urges EU to take tough stance against oppression of Rohingya

June 25,2013
KUNA

BRUSSELS, June 25 (KUNA) -- British Member of the European Parliament Sajjad Karim Tuesday called on EU to take a stronger stance against Myanmar violence inflicted towards Rohingya Muslims.
In a written question sent to the EU high representative Catherine Ashton ahead of a debate on human rights in the European Parliament next week, Karim asked about steps by the European Commission and the EU foreign service to end this oppression, and what action is being taken to provide assistance to such persecuted populations across Burma/Myanmar.
The persecution of the Muslim minority in Myanmar shows no sign of abating with tens of thousands Rohingya fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh and Thailand, while 140,000 are currently living in makeshift shelters in the Rakhine state, noted Karim in a statement.
He said Ashton was quick to respond to his written question, but failed to include any concrete measures of action.
"As stated in the April 2013 Council conclusions, the EU will use all means and mechanisms at its disposal to support Myanmar's political, economic and social transition - thus aiming to meet the goal quoted by the Honourable Member," said Ashton in her reply.
Karim, the first British Muslim to be elected to the European Parliament, warned that the plight of the Rohingya community casts a dark shadow in EU-Myanmar relations.
"The EU needs to lead on this issue and take stronger stances against the Myanmar government who on one hand, allow this state sponsored violence to take place, whilst on the other are seeking to make their country fully democratic," he said.
"The EU has so far provided 5.5 million euros to the displaced people and is working to distribute aid to the region, however more pressure needs to be exerted politically on the President of Myanmar," added Karim.