NAY PYI TAW, 11 June—President U Thein Sein broadcasted a request concerning the incidents in Rakhine State to the public through Myanma Radio and Television at 8 pm, yesterday. It is as follows;

“Esteemed people,

I wish the physical and mental well being of the esteemed people and the brethren.

As you have already known, instabilities and violence deteriorate widely in Rakhine State based on Kyauknimaw case in Rakhine State that happened on 28 May, 2012. So, we are in the condition that all of us including religious organizations, religious leaders, and political parties have to take control of the situation carefully in unison.

Esteemed people,

The Union government under my leadership has implemented two main aspirations of the people stability and economic development, or otherwise has steadily initiated a series of political and economic reforms at a faster pace, since assuming executive duties. Now is the time we are entering people-centered reform strategies as the second phase.

Despite a diversity of religious beliefs since year one, we have a very long and chequered history of amicable co-existence with reciprocity.

In the time of our government, we are amending and enacting laws and rules to ensure that all citizens enjoy such fundamental rights prescribed in the constitution as freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of religion. We accept that our government is fully responsible for addressing difficulties, issues and desires of the people reasonably to the extent possible.

Our government tried to immediately restore stability in places where riots broke out since the very beginning of violence in Rakhine State. Similarly, we carried out tasks practically as planned to stop spreading of violence and to restore peace promptly if the violence spreads. We also instantly informed the people cases, undertakings, damages and losses. Although I arranged to clarify the overall situation to you as soon as the incidents had begun, I did not do so as I thought the situation would not go such far and I was also afraid it would impose burden to your mind.

However, we again had to take preventive measures under the law as there occurred violence and attempts for riots on 9 June evening in Sittway. Under this situation, I assume the public should be informed to cooperate with the government. Therefore, I am making a clarification to you tonight.

Esteemed people,

In reviewing current incidents in Rakhine State, it is found that anarchic activities become wider due to instigations based on religion and racism putting rage, hatred and vengeance in the fore. The situation could deteriorate and could be extended beyond Rakhine State if we are terrorizing and killing each other with such sectarianism, endless hatred, the desire of vengeance and anarchy. There are also possibilities of other stimulations. I would like you all to realize how seriously it would damage stability, democratization process and national development of our country in transition period.

Our government would take legal actions against the cases which have already happened. At the same time, we would take systematic measures under existing laws and rules and regulations to make sure such phenomena and incidents do not happen again. I would like to request all to realize the every aspect of the situation with considerable magnanimity as we would focus on bringing back justice for the sufferers in the incidents. I promise our government would attach great importance to the rule of law.

Besides, the government is cooperating with religious organizations and religious leaders, political parties, organizations of different social strata senior citizens and community elders to resolve the issue.

Esteemed people,

Democratization and national development processes which we are engaged in with great anticipation could be a success only on the ground of peace and stability and the rule of law.

For peace and stability and rule of law in the country, it is not the sole responsibility of the government. People need to wisely obey the laws. Similarly, wisely cooperation of religious organizations, religious leaders, political parties and politicians, people from all walks of life and media is necessary to for peace and stability and rule of law.

Therefore, esteemed people, religious organizations, political parties and people from all walks of life are requested to cooperate and to work together with the government while keeping a sense of wisdom and combination of consciousness and loving kindness to calm and not to grow the unrest.

I wish all the esteemed people may free from dangers and enjoy good health and prosperity and may work for emergence of the peaceful, modern and developed new democratic country joining hands with the government.

Thank you. “ —MNA