DHAKA: EU President Donald Tusk has said that Myanmar must take back the Rohingya refugees who entered Bangladesh fleeing atrocities in Rakhine State.

The EU chief said this after talks with Indian leaders in New Delhi on Friday (October 06). “The EU continues to assume its responsibilities by receiving people in need of protection and by assisting host countries close to the conflict zones,” said Tusk after the talks.

He asked Myanmar to adhere to its international rights obligations and allow Rohingya refugees to return to their homeland.

He said Myanmar must give aid workers access to Rakhine State, where the Myanmar military are burning the villages of Rohingyas.

“We addressed the situation in Myanmar and the Rohingya refugee crisis. We want to see de-escalation of tension and the full adherence to international human rights obligations as well as full humanitarian access so the aid can reach those in need,” he said.

EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said the summit had been an “important step in the right direction” towards an agreement, but gave no time frame for progress.

The EU is India’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than 13 percent of the country’s commerce.

BDST: 1715 HRS, OCT 07, 2017
EHJ/SMS