Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari today expressed concern over communal riots in Myanmar and called on his Myanmarese counterpart U Thein Sein to prevent violence and protect the lives of the minority Muslim community.
In a letter to U Thein Sein, Zardari said he was "deeply saddened" by a fresh wave of violence in Meiktila town of Mandalay region.
He expressed the concern of the Pakistani people over the communal riots and the desecration of places of worship.
"I am deeply saddened at the eruption of yet another wave of violence, this time in Meiktila town of Mandalay region, Myanmar. The people of Pakistan are concerned at the recurrence of communal riots resulting in loss of life and property as well as desecration of places of worship," Zardari wrote in his letter.
While appreciating the Myanmar government's efforts to defuse the situation, he said he had confidence in Thein Sein's leadership in "restoring communal harmony that is so essential for strengthening of the democratic process".
"I request, as a friend of Myanmar, to kindly use all your resources to prevent violence and protect the lives of minority Muslim community. As you would kindly agree that peaceful co-existence of communities in Myanmar would be an essential element to make the transition of democracy a success. Let me assure you that Pakistan fully supports your efforts to strengthen democracy in Myanmar," he added.
Zardari wished the government and people of Myanmar success in restoring peace, stability and economic progress.
