Isalmic Iran Voices Concern about Fresh Clashes in Myanmar

A senior Iranian foreign ministry official extended Iran’s deep concern over fresh clashes between extremist Buddhists and the Muslim community in Myanmar, and called for immediate restoration of peace in the Southeast Asian state.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry’s Director-General for East Asia-Pacific Rasoul Mohajer on Friday said Myanmar’s government bears the heavy responsibility of restoring security and peace in the country and supporting the rights of the minorities, including Muslims.

He called on Myanmar’s officials to identify elements behind the recent violence and adopt necessary measures to remove inequalities.

The Iranian official also called for the restoration of peace and immediate return of Muslims to their homes.

Mohajer further held outsiders accountable for chaos and anarchy emerged from a city in central Myanmar, and asked officials of the Southeast Asian country to counter agents behind the ongoing unrest, press tv reported.

Fresh clashes between extremist Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims in Meiktila, located some 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of the capital city of Naypyidaw, have left at least 20 people dead so far. Clashes erupted late on Wednesday after extremist Buddhists set fire to several mosques in the city.

Following three days of deadly unrest, Myanmar President Thein Sein on Friday announced a state of emergency in the town of Meiktila.

Hundreds of Muslim residents have fled their homes to take shelter at a sports stadium.