The Rohingya Problem to be Discussed at Asia-Pacific Forum

Friday, 20 February, 2009 | 15:06 WIB 

TEMPO Interactive, Sydney: Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirayuda yesterday said the case of the Rohingya Muslims boat people - who are members of an ethnic minority group in Burma - will be discussed at an Asia-Pacific forum. 

Around 400 Rohingyas were stranded early last month off the shores of Aceh. Around 51 of the Rohingyas had to be hospitalized due to severe health conditions. 

They were rescued by local fishermen, claiming they had been detained and beaten up by the Thai police after transiting in their country. They were then towed to sea and abandoned. 

According to Hassan, the meeting to discuss this issue may take place sometime in March or April. Earlier, Thailand suggested a meeting between Burma and Bangladesh only. However, Indonesia urged that the a bigger and more inclusive dialogue be held. 

“We convinced Thailand to discuss this case at a ministerial level, and they agreed,” Hassan said, following a meeting with Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith, in Sydney, Australia, yesterday. 

AFP