Canadian PM expresses concern over Rohingya issue

Ottawa Sep 14 (IANS) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his deep concern about the situation in Myanmar s Rakhine State on Rohingya Muslims and other ethnic minorities in a phone call with Myanmar s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

Trudeau stressed the state counsellor s particular importance as a moral and political leader the Canadian Prime Minister Office said in a news release on Wednesday Xinhua news agency reported.

"The Prime Minister also emphasized the urgent need for Myanmar s military and civilian leaders to take a strong stand in ending the violence promoting the protection of civilians and promoting unimpeded access for the UN and international humanitarian actors " the office said.

The two leaders discussed the need to defend and protect the rights of all minorities.

Trudeau offered Canada s support to help build a peaceful and stable society in Myanmar that is respectful of the rights of all ethnic minorities while the state counsellor expressed her appreciation of Canada s contribution to humanitarian efforts the office added.

The Canadian government has pledged 1 million Canadian dollars ($810 000) in humanitarian aid for Rakhine state located on the western coast of Myanmar.

--IANS
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