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UK raises human rights with Myanmar president

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AP London
Last Updated : Jul 15 2013 | 9:30 PM IST
British Prime Minister David Cameron raised concerns about attacks on Myanmar's Muslim minority as he met with the country's president in London today.
Sectarian violence against minority Rohingya Muslims in the predominantly Buddhist nation has killed hundreds in the past year, and uprooted about 140,000.
Observers fear the violence presents a threat to Myanmar's transition to democracy because it could encourage security forces to re-assert control.
A small group of protesters demonstrated outside Parliament as Cameron met President Thein Sein at 10 Downing Street.
Thein Sein, a former general who retains close ties to the military, has introduced democratic changes after decades of authoritarian rule that had led to international isolation. Cameron said Britain welcomed the reforms and looked forward to free and fair elections in 2015.
"We are also very keen to see greater action in terms of promoting human rights and dealing with regional conflicts," Cameron said. "We are particularly concerned about what has happened in Rakhine province and the Rohingya Muslims."
Ricken Patel, executive director at human rights campaign group Avaaz, said the attacks on the Rohingya "should be ringing alarm bells" everywhere.
"Cameron has a responsibility to use all his diplomatic leverage to get real, concrete measures from President Thein Sein to protect these groups," Patel said.

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First Published: Jul 15 2013 | 9:30 PM IST

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