EU calls on Myanmar to address causes of inter-communal violence

The European Union Monday welcomed progress in the national reconciliation process in Myanamr, and looked forward to the conclusion of a nationwide ceasefire agreement. The EU Foreign Affairs Council which met today, in a statement, called on the Government of Myanmar to "address the underlying causes of inter-communal violence and to guarantee the respect of human rights and the rule of law." It invited the Government to pursue durable solutions, including by addressing the status and welfare needs of the Rohingya Muslim minority. "In order to contribute to peace-building and respect between the communities, the EU strongly encourages development initiatives and thepromotion of religious and ethnic tolerance," said the statement. The Council urged all leaders to take a zero tolerance approach to violent extremism. The statement underlined the EU intention to significantly increase its development cooperation programmes with Myanmar for the period 2014-20.