"ALTHOUGH progress has been made on resolving the Rakhine issue, we are still facing some challenges with respect to security, human rights, and the socio-economic development of the local people. We have focused all our energy into the implementation of Kofi Annan’s advisory report to bring about development in Rakhine State and witnessed the fruits of our efforts. But, we are not out of the woods yet. That means we still need to step up efforts for implementing the remaining works. We are confident that we will overcome the challenges for the safe and voluntary repatriation of verified displaced persons, and establishing the rule of law and security in Rakhine, through bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh. Cooperation will resolve the issues between the neighbours as we are ready to welcome back verified displaced persons through the agreed bilateral mechanism. We cannot resolve such a long-standing issue overnight. Rakhine’s problems are not of recent origin, and go back a couple of centuries. Like, many other parts of Myanmar, the Rakhine State has suffered from poverty and under-development for decades. To restore normalcy and improve the situation in Rakhine, we must promote the socio-economic development of the local people. To overcome the challenges in Rakhine State, upholding the rule of law is necessary. Rule of law is a fundamental necessity for dealing with the current security crisis, repatriating displaced communities to their homes, and preventing any future violence. We recognize the grave challenges we have to face and overcome in Rakhine State. From the very beginning of its term in office, our Union Government has identified the imperative need for rule of law and sustainable development in Rakhine as a national priority. With a view to ensure long-term peace and harmony for all those living in the State, the Union government has been doing its utmost to meet the security and humanitarian needs of the people, in line with the recommendations of the commission led by the late Dr. Kofi Annan. Much of Rakhine’s economic potential still remains untapped, while other parts of Myanmar have benefited to a large extent from the opening up of the country’s economy. The Union Government is committed to finding a lasting solution for peace and prosperity in Rakhine. With that aim, the government is continuing to uphold the recommendations and will implement those that best serve the interest of our nation. The international community is urged to understand the situation we are in, and support us in this uphill battle..."