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Suu Kyi Wants "Space" as Kerry Calls for Rohingya Rights

Suu Kyi Wants "Space" as Kerry Calls for Rohingya Rights
Suu Kyi Wants "Space" as Kerry Calls for Rohingya Rights

Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi asked to be given "enough space" to address the plight of her country's Rohingya Muslim population, as visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry pressed the Nobel laureate to promote respect for human rights.

Some 125,000 Rohingya in Myanmar remain displaced and face severe travel restrictions in camps since fighting erupted in Rakhine State between the country's Buddhists and Muslims in 2012. Thousands have fled persecution and poverty, Reuters reported.

The United States has long supported Suu Kyi's role in championing democratic change in Myanmar, but was surprised this month when she suggested to the new US ambassador Scot Marciel to refrain from using the term Rohingya for the persecuted Muslim minority.

"Emotive terms make it very difficult for us to find a peaceful and sensible resolution to our problems," Suu Kyi told reporters at a joint news conference with Kerry in Naypyitaw on Sunday.

"All that we are asking is that people should be aware of the difficulties we are facing and to give us enough space to solve all our problems."

Financialtribune.com