Pope Francis failed to mention Myanmar’s Muslim Rohingya minority as he shared a stage with the country’s civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, saying the country was suffering from civil conflict and hostilities “that have lasted all too long and created deep divisions”. Extremist nationalist movements insist the group are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, although the Rohingya say they are native to Rakhine state. Rights groups accuse Myanmar authorities of ethnic cleansing, systematically forcing Rohingya from the country through violence and persecution, a charge the government has denied. Speaking shortly before the pope flew into Naypyitaw, Father Gregory, a priest from northern Myanmar, said attitudes were divided on the issue. During talks on Monday evening, the country’s powerful army chief told Francis there was “no religious discrimination” in Myanmar.

Source: The Guardian November 28, 2017 08:42 UTC