Bangladesh, China, Myanmar to jointly evaluate progress
Bangladesh, China and Myanmar have agreed to form a “tripartite joint working mechanism” to evaluate the situation on the ground for Rohingya repatriation.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen came up with the development after a joint meeting with his Chinese and Myanmar counterparts on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday.
“On the ground, Bangladesh, China and Myanmar will evaluate the progress jointly,” Dr Momen told reporters after the meeting, adding that Myanmar agreed with the Chinese proposal though Myanmar had some objections initially at the meeting.
The first meeting of the tripartite working body is likely to be held in October.
Though Myanmar claimed they have taken all the necessary steps to take back their nationals, Bangladesh said Myanmar could not build confidence among the Rohingyas yet.
Dr Momen said the good news is that Myanmar has agreed to take their nationals back as soon as possible.
Two attempts of Rohingya repatriation have failed as the Rohingyas are unwilling to go back to their place of origin amid lack of required conditions in Rakhine State for their return.
Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas, most of whom entered Cox’s Bazar since August 25, 2017.
Welcoming Chinese involvement in repatriation process, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson recently said Chinese involvement has a “great deal of potential” to help bring the Rohingya crisis to an end,
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming had earlier said China stands ready to “mediate and promote” Rohingya repatriation in an “active manner” to help find a solution as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the European Parliament (EP) has reiterated its call on the UN Security Council (UNSC) to impose a “global comprehensive arms embargo” on Myanmar.
It also called for suspending all direct and indirect supplies, sales or transfers of all weapons, ammunitions and other military and security equipment, as well as provision of training or other military or security assistance.
In its latest resolution, the EP urged the UNSC to adopt targeted individual sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, against those who appear responsible for serious crimes under international law.
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