Rohingyas people may be ASEAN summit topic

BANGKOK, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Malaysian Foreign Minister Rais Yatim says his country and Indonesia will introduce the plight of Rohingyas refugees at the upcoming ASEAN summit.

Rais said this week that the two countries are determined to introduce the topic of the stateless Rohingyas Myanmar during the 14th annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathering, ANTARA News/Bernama said Friday.

The Malaysian official recognized the difficulties surrounding the Rohingyas situation but added the refugees' plight was the problem of many ASEAN member countries.

"I am myself will be very inclined to discuss this matter when we have the discussion on matters pertaining to ASEAN. Having said that, the difficulty is immense as no specific authority is in charge of this exodus," Rais said.

The Muslim ethnic group has been at the center of human rights violations in recent years, including allegations the Thai military towed boatfuls of the refugees out to sea without supplies.

Rais added he is hopeful Myanmar will be open to discussing to future of the refugees fleeing Myanmar, ANTARA News/Bernama said.

Meanwhile, Myanmar Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said Friday his country would accept the return of Rohingyas refugees if they can prove they are Bengali descendants.