India has asked Myanmar security forces to take steps to prevent further Rohingya exodus and encourage their safe and sustainable return from Bangladesh, reiterating its concern over the issue at the just concluded UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

"India remains deeply concerned at the situation in Rakhine State of Myanmar... It is important for the Myanmar security forces to handle the situation with restraint, focusing on the welfare of the civilian population," an Indian High Commission statement quoted the Indian representative as telling the council's 36th session on Friday.

The Indian envoy said Myanmar security forces' operations resulted in the exodus of a large number of people from Rakhine State, many of whom have sought shelter in neighbouring Bangladesh.

The Indian representative commended Bangladesh's role in extending humanitarian assistance to such a large influx of people from Rakhine State, saying Bangladesh deserves both recognition and support from the international community.

"As a neighbour, friend and partner of Bangladesh, India has responded promptly to support the Government of Bangladesh in meeting the relief requirements posed by this large influx."

India, he said, was convinced that the only lasting solution to the situation in the Rakhine State is socio-economic and infrastructural development and a resolution of underlying issues of citizenship and residence in line with the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission.

"All efforts must be made to restore normalcy in the State through a solution based on respect for peace, communal harmony, justice, dignity and democratic values.

"Our effort within the framework of this body must be to help the Government of Myanmar meet its responsibilities towards its people, including all communities belonging to Rakhine State," he added.

EU postpones signing IPA

The European Union has put off signing an investment protection agreement (IPA) with Myanmar until an undetermined date due to the human rights situation in Rakhine state, reported The Myanmar Times yesterday.

The Committee on International Trade of the European Parliament announced on September 14 that it has postponed its visit to Myanmar, which was meant to finalise the IPA.

Over 500,000 Rohingyas fled violence in Myanmar to Bangladesh following Myanmar security forces' "clearance operation" against the Rohingyas in response to attacks by Rohingya insurgents on police posts and an army base on August 25.

Rights groups came up with evidence that Myanmar security forces burned down over 200 Rohingya villages in Rakhine. The forces are also accused of killing hundreds of Rohingya men and raping the women.

 The UN termed it a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing", while Human Rights Watch defines it as "crimes against humanity".

Bernd Lange, chair of the Committee on International Trade of the European Parliament, said, "The EP's International Trade Committee decided to postpone the delegation to Myanmar to an unknown date as it was clear that the current political and human rights' situation in the country, as outlined in the EP's resolution adopted on Thursday 14 September, does not allow for a fruitful discussion on a potential EU-Myanmar investment agreement."

"It is clear that under these conditions, the ratification of an investment agreement with Myanmar is not possible," he said.

The Myanmar Times reports the agreement would have been the first standalone investment protection agreement of the EU with the country.

In April, the European Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar stated that the negotiations "should be finished within a few months".

The IPA was expected to provide a level-playing field for European investors and promote corporate standards, hence boosting EU investment in Myanmar.