Japan urges Myanmar to conduct credible Rohingya probe

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told Myanmar’s leader that a credible investigation into alleged human rights violations against Rohingya Muslims is key to resolving tensions in the country’s Rakhine state.

Abe on Tuesday told a joint news conference after holding talks with Aung San Suu Kyi that Japan will support efforts by Myanmar to accommodate Rohingya who return home from refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh.

“This problem is complicated and serious, and Japan will think with Myanmar and support its effort in resolving the problem,” Abe said.

“A credible investigation by the independent panel is particularly important.”

Suu Kyi’s government has rejected independent international investigations into the alleged abuses and has commissioned its own probe.

Suu Kyi agreed on the importance of an “accurate and appropriate” investigation. She defended the government-commissioned panel as free and effective, and its members – one each from Japan and the Philippines and two from Myanmar – as experts on human rights and international issues.

“I welcome Japan’s support for our efforts for the refugees’ return,” said Suu Kyi, who is in Tokyo for a six-nation Mekong regional summit hosted by Japan. — AP