Suu Kyi offers help on Rohingya issue

Kolkata - Myanmar's democracy icon Aung Sang Suu Kyi has told a British minister that she is willing to facilitate the process of reconciliation between Buddhist Rakhines and Muslim Rohingyas in the troubled Rakhine state (former Arakans), the 'Guardian' reports. 

The Guardian quotes Hugo Swire, a minister of state in the British Foreign office as saying that Suu Kyi, if invited by the Myanmar government, is willing to help.This after Swire met Suu Kyi briefly during his recent visit to Myanmar. 

"Suu Kyi has been very clear about this-she is extremely busy. She can't do everything in this country," Swire told the 'Guardian'. "If she is formally invited to get involved, she has indicated to me that she would be very willing to do that." 

Swire, who traveled to Myanmar leading a trade delegation, also visited several displaced persons camps in the Rakhine state, accompanied by the British ambassador Andrew Heyn. The 'Guardian' journalist Kate Hodal also joined them. 

The 'Guardian' quotes Swire as saying that the 'conditions in the Rakhine state remains extremely worrying' and that unless urgent action is taken, 'the tragedy will continue to deepen for all concerned'. 

The 'Guardian' says that until now, 'Aung Sang Suu Kyi' who is considered internationally as Burma's most unifying politicial figure and who has previously stressed the significance of ethnic rights - has been largely absent from debates on this issue (Rohingyas) and it is unclear why she has not played a greater role.