Asean Governments Must Use Diplomacy To Find Solutions To Rohingya Issue - GMMF

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- The Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMMF) has called on ASEAN governments to collectively use diplomacy in finding solutions to the Rohingya issue and to rebuild trust between communities. Its executive chairman and chief executive officer, Dr Nasharudin Mat Isa said the call was made with due recognition of the region's focus for dialogue, mutual respect and inclusiveness to bridge differences. Describing the recent conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine State as very alarming, he said the conflict contradicted with GMMF's efforts in promoting moderation among ASEAN nations as envisaged in the Langkawi Declaration signed on Aug 27, last year. "The violence, the most serious bloodshed in Rakhine since the 2012 communal clashes during which hundreds were killed, has renewed international criticism that the Myanmar government has done too little to alleviate the plight of the Rohingya minority, who are denied citizenship and access to basic services. "GMMF will pursue to further accentuate its people-to-people diplomacy endeavours in promoting the Langkawi Declaration on the issue of moderation within ASEAN and the global platforms," he said in a statement issued, here, Wednesday night. "Since the moderation concept has been accepted as ASEAN value that promotes peace, security and development, it has echoed throughout the globe and the United Nations such as resolution of conflicts, reconciliation, mediation, conflict prevention, post-conflict and peacebuilding, peacemaking and sustainable development," he added. -- BERNAMA