US raps China over repatriation of Myanmar refugees

WASHINGTON: The United States on Thursday criticized China after accusations that it forced thousands of refugees from Myanmar's Kachin minority back across the border despite ongoing fighting.

"We indeed remain concerned about the welfare of vulnerable Kachin on the China-Burma border. We have urged China to implement a temporary protection program for those seeking refuge from the conflict," said State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell.

"The US government believes that the refugees should only return home by their own choice and in conditions of safety and dignity," the diplomat said.

According to the Kachin Independence Organization and Human Rights Watch, China has in recent days forced thousands of Kachin refugees to leave the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan and return to northern Myanmar.

Tens of thousands of people have fled the fighting since June last year when a 17-year ceasefire between the government and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) rebels collapsed, with an estimated 5,000 seeking refuge in neighboring China.

China's foreign ministry refuted allegations of forced returns of refugees, saying they had crossed back "by their own volition when the fire had ceased."

In recent months, Myanmar's government has signed ceasefire agreements with several ethnic minority rebel groups, but negotiations with the Kachin have so far been unsuccessful.

Source: http://timesofindia.feedsportal.com/fy/8at2EuL0ddlT332u/story01.htm

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