Erdogan speaks to Suu Kyi about Rohingya crisis

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke Tuesday with Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi over the ongoing humanitarian crisis involving Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence and persecution in Rakhine state.

According to Turkish presidency sources, Erdoğan told Suu Kyi that that increase in human rights violations against Rohingya Muslims causes great concern for the world and Muslim countries.

The two leader discussed methods to solve the ongoing crisis and ways to provide the local population with humanitarian aid.

Turkey condemns both the terror and operations targeting innocent civilians, Erdogan said, adding that incidents in Rakhine turning into grave humanitarian crisis causes public indignation.

He urged Suu Kyi to refrain from excessive use of force and show utmost sensitivity to protect civilians.

Erdogan also informed the Myanmarese leader regarding his talks with the world leaders over the issue, including the U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid.

The State Counsellor of Myanmar is the de facto head of government of Myanmar, equivalent to a prime minister.

Violence broke out in the Rakhine state after security forces launched an operation against Rohingya Muslims, forcing at least 120,000 people, including women and children to flee and seek refuge in neighboring Bangladesh since Aug. 25, when clashes began.

Myanmar security forces are accused of using disproportionate force and destroying homes of the Rohingya.

The U.N. documented mass gang-rape, killings -- including infants and young children -- brutal beatings and disappearances. Rohingya representatives have said approximately 400 people have been slain in the crackdown.

Source: Agencies