Government response: Minister for Asia statement on Arakan Army and Tatmadaw fighting

Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific Mark Field said:

I am deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in Rakhine State, including the attack by the Arakan Army on police posts and the targeting of a civilian government minister.

The UK calls on all sides involved in the conflict to show restraint. All sides have a duty to ensure that the safety of civilians is guaranteed, and to respect international law.

I also call on the military to grant access for humanitarian organisations, including the UN, to Rakhine State. The UK continues to urge all parties to come together to allow concerted and visible progress towards implementing the Rakhine Advisory Commission’s recommendations. The UK remains strongly committed to a peaceful democratic transition in Burma.

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