Under the direction of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia is making all-out political and diplomatic efforts to support the cause of Rohingyas on the international level.
“The Kingdom is exerting pressure on the world community,” said Abdullah Maaroof, president of the International Rohingya Center and leader of the Burmese community in the Kingdom.
Speaking at the Arakan Rohingya Union Conference, which opened at the headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) yesterday, he said: “We will soon see the positive the results of these efforts.”
He described the efforts as strong and effective because of the Kingdom’s political and Islamic leverage on the international level. He said Saudi Arabia will work on many fronts to exert pressure on international organizations that have strong ties with Myanmar to put an end to the ongoing injustice and violence against Muslims. He said he was hopeful these efforts will contribute to easing the suffering of the Muslims in Myanmar.
“Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that has supported the Rohingya cause, and this conference is a clear proof of this,” said Maaroof. “There are more than a quarter million Burmese citizens in Saudi Arabia. The latest support is represented in correcting their status by giving them iqamas for four years, and facilities and services they have never dreamed of.”
OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said the government of Myanmar should be held accountable for all forms of discrimination against Muslims, and Buddhist extremists should not be allowed to incite one group against another.
His address, which was read out by the director of minorities at the organization, stated that violent acts targeting Muslims led to the murder of people and destruction of property of thousands of people. These acts should not be allowed to continue, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to root out the problem and safeguard lives and property in Myanmar.
Ihsanoglu said the organization will continue to support all efforts and national and international initiatives that aim to find permanent and peaceful solutions to problems in Myanmar. It calls for the return of refugees and the reinstatement of their rights.
He said that yesterday’s meeting was the second conference of the union since its establishment on May 30, 2011. The union was founded with a view to achieving peaceful cohabitation, democracy and human rights. Member countries of the OIC have supported the union.
He said that despite challenges such as lack of resources, the union has achieved progress and urged it to play its role as a legitimate representative of the Rohingyas throughout the world, defend their cause and improve their conditions in Myanmar and the rest of the world, in addition to helping find a solution to their problems.
The Arakan Rohingya Union Conference is being held at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah. (AN photo)