DHAKA: Pope Francis, in his 3-day visit to Myanmar, called for ethnic peace in the country without specifically mentioning the term ‘Rohingya’ and their plight, reports New York Times.

After a meeting with the state councellor Aung San Suu Kyi, pope delivered a speech in Naypyitaw on Tuesday (November 28).

His Keynote speech highlighted rights of the ethnic minority groups.   

Francis said that the greatest treasure of Myanmar is its people. However, they have been suffering from civil conflict and hostilities for quite a long time, which resulted in deep divisions among them.

He further said that religious differences should not be a source of division and distrust. Rather, they need to be a force for unity, forgiveness, tolerance, which will lead up to building a strong nation.

Earlier, pope described Rohingyas ‘brothers and sisters’ while addressing them.

International media attention was on his speech about Rohingya, but he avoided it.

During his discussion with Aung San Suu Kyi, both of them avoided the term.
 
BDST: 1327 HRS, NOV 29, 2017
AH/SI