MSF invited back because of foreign criticism, says Rakhine Chief Minister

MSF invited back because of foreign criticism, says Rakhine Chief Minister
by -
Mizzima

The Rakhine State Government invited Medecins San Frontieres to resume operations there because of criticism from the international community over the decision to expel the medical aid organisation in February, Chief Minister U Maung Maung Ohn said on July 29.

"We have to invite them since our country has been roundly criticised in foreign countries and we need to repair our bad image; this is very important," U Maung Maung Ohn said in a statement.

The statement also said the Rakhine Cabinet would take responsibility for all activities in the state involving UN agencies and international non-government organisations.

U Maung Maung Ohn issued the statement after elders groups and social networks in Rakhine wrote to the State government criticising the decision to invite MSF to resume operations.
 
"We have objected," said U Than Tun, an elder in the state capital, Sittwe.

"The State Government has to take responsibility for all consequences," U Than Tun said.

The decision to invite MSF to return to the state was announced by the Union and Rakhine governments on July 24.