German president concerned over sectarian violence in Myanmar

German President Joachim Gauck on Tuesday raised concerns over clashes between Myanmar’s majority Buddhist and minority Muslim communities, especially the Rohingyas, the (DPA) reported.“I am concerned, as are so many others, when I hear of the ongoing violence between Buddhists and Muslims in your country,” Gauck said in a speech at Yangon University in Myanmar. At least 167 people died in the 2012 clashes, and 120,000 were made homeless, most of them Rohingyas.“Just like other minorities, the Rohingyas belong to Myanmar,” the DPA quoted Gauck as saying.“I welcome all efforts to grant them a solid legal status as well as the prospect of self-determination within your country,” Gauck said.Gauck arrived in Myanmar on Monday, marking the first such presidential visit in 28 years. Gauck’s visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomaticrelations between the two countries.Gauck on Monday met with Myanmar’s President Thein Sein in Naypyitaw, where the German president praised democratic reforms undertaken after the general election of 2010, the DPA said.