U.S. State Department Weighs Sanctions For Myanmar, Labeling Violence Against Rohingya Muslims As Ethnic Cleansing, Senate Hears
Associated Press: U.S. declaration of ethnic cleansing in Myanmar on way
“The Trump administration moved toward a condemnation of ‘ethnic cleansing’ against Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslims, as officials were preparing a recommendation for Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to unequivocally use the term for the first time. Angry lawmakers on Tuesday demanded an immediate denunciation as they explored a new, tougher U.S. policy…” (Pennington, 10/24).
New York Times: Across Myanmar, Denial of Ethnic Cleansing and Loathing of Rohingya
“…An overwhelming body of published accounts has detailed the Myanmar Army’s campaign of killing, rape, and arson in Rakhine, which has driven more than 600,000 Rohingya out of the country since late August, in what the United Nations says is the fastest displacement of a people since the Rwanda genocide. But in Myanmar, and even in Rakhine itself, there is stark denial that any ethnic cleansing is taking place…” (Beech/Nang, 10/24).
VOA News: U.S. Not Yet Classifying Violence Against Myanmar Rohingya as ‘Ethnic Cleansing’
“U.S. officials have declined to refer to violence against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar as ethnic cleansing before they complete a review into the issue. Though multiple senators called the violence ethnic cleansing during a hearing on the conflict Tuesday, representatives from the State Department and USAID said their agencies could not yet make that declaration…” (10/24).
Wall Street Journal: Plight of Rohingya in Myanmar Stokes Congressional Concern
“…The Senate hearing came after the Trump administration Monday evening said it was considering taking action against Myanmar if the violence continues, including economic sanctions against officials involved in perpetrating the violence. The State Department said it already had suspended travel waivers for senior military leaders and has made military units responsible for violence against the Rohingya ineligible for American assistance…” (Schwartz, 10/24).
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