Kofi Annan meets Myanmar President in human rights probe

Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan met Myanmar President Htin Kyaw at the Presidential Palace in the capital on Thursday -- the third day of his six-day visit to the country, a media report said.

Annan, the chair of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, has travelled to the southeast Asian country to investigate human rights violations against ethnic minorities in the western state, in particular the Rohingya Muslims.

The Ghanaian diplomat on Wednesday visited camps in Sittwe housing thousands of refugees, and met local community leaders to discuss their struggles and living situation, EFE news reported.

However, upon his arrival in Sittwe, Annan was greeted by angry Rakhine nationalists who said they opposed outside interference in internal affairs.

Over the next 12 months, members of the Commission will travel frequently across Rakhine to consult with local communities, leaders and experts to develop solutions to promote peace, reconciliation and economic development, Annan said.

"We will consider how communities across the state can come together and work to improve security, basic rights and ensure a future that is free from conflict and violence," he said.

The diplomat will later during the day also meet military leader Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Daw before flying to Yangon.

--IANS

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