It was recently diplomatically suggested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to US ambassador to Myanmar Scot Marciel that he should not perhaps use the term “Rohingya” as it was “not supportive of national reconciliation”. The ambassador however has defended his use of the term. “Our approach globally and normal international practice,” he told Channel News-Asia, “is to recognise that communities everywhere have the ability to choose what they should be called. That is fundamental international practice and we respect that.”
I wish it were that simple. There are many in Myanmar who regard the “Rohingya” label as a political statement, so that in referring to “Rohingya” the ambassador is taking a political position. (Courtesy of Myanmar Times)
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