Repatriation of Rohingyas

The communiqué issued by Aung San Suu Kyi in response to a UN Security Council statement is disappointing. It is yet another reminder that Myanmar's government is looking for excuses to delay the resolution of the crisis.

Suu Kyi emphasises on solving the crisis 'bilaterally, in an amicable manner' with Bangladesh. That the US secretary of state and Bangladesh's foreign minister are poised to visit Myanmar soon seemed to match the statement. 

However, it is hardly surprising that the Myanmar government caught the very first opportunity to lash out at the international community instead of reining in military operations in Rakhine State that have pushed hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas to Bangladesh. 

The State Counsellor's statement argues that the UNSC statement, despite being watered down, hampers the bilateral efforts to repatriate Rohingyas from Bangladesh. In fact, it is Myanmar, whose acts threaten to derail efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement of Rohingya crisis. 

Since Aung Sun Syu Kyi first expressed her willingness to repatriate Rohingyas in September, Myanmar government has raised different conditions during repatriation talks with Bangladesh, rather than agreeing to the categorical return of Rohingyas. Last week, Myanmar even ridiculously accused Bangladesh of delaying repatriation process. This betrays the actual intention of the Myanmar government and its lack of commitment to resolve the crisis. 

Naypyidaw must refrain from using dubious tactics to avoid its responsibility of taking Rohingyas back. At the same time, it must create the conditions where Rohingyas will feel safe to return.