We have inherited the problem of Rohingyas, cannot solve it overnight, says Aung San Suu Kyi

Myanmar's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, today said that the Rohingya issue is complex and cannot be solved overnight.

"It is a humanitarian issue which has risen out of long-term socio-economic problems. In the Rakhine state, go back to the 19th century, and periodically trouble has broken out between the Muslim community and the Rakhine community. And we have inherited this very complex problem and we have to deal with it and have to resolve it," Suu Kyi said in an exclusive interview to news agency ANI.

The Myanmar leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner said that there are places in Rakhine where "Muslims and Rakhines live in a harmonious way", and her government wants to find out how "that is possible in some places and not in others".

MUSLIMS OF RAKHINE OVER ROHINGYA

Suu Kyi said she prefers using "Muslims of Rakhine" over Rohingya as there is enough controversy over the term, referring to how Rakhines call them Bengalis. "It is better to call them as Muslims which is a description that nobody can deny," she said, adding there is no point in "using terms that simply inflame passions further".

The Myanmar government has earned much criticism for referring to the military violence in Rakhine state as a 'clean up operation'. "We are investigating all these allegations but... we need the kind of evidence that will stand up in court before we condemn anybody for the particular act," Suu Kyi said.

REPATRIATIONS IN THE PAST

In her televised address to the nation on Tuesday, Suu Kyi said that those who fled to Bangladesh can return if they pass a "verification" process. Elaborating on the process, Suu Kyi today said Myanmar had "similar repatriations in the past" and the criteria were established way back in 1993.

"The criteria on which both Bangladesh and Myanmar agreed and it's in line with the criteria that we will receive those who have been displaced from Rakhine because we are not certain of the exact numbers," Suu Kyi said, adding that Myanmar is ready to start the verification process anytime.

When asked about criticism against her for not speaking enough on the alleged persecution of Rohingyas in Rakhine, Suu Kyi said, "We have to be fair to all communities. We have always maintained this that we don't condemn either of the communities. We condemn actions that are against the rule of law".

She said the socio-economic development of the Rakhine region is only a part of the solution to the problem. "The most amicable solution would be to promote love and compassion throughout the communities... but it is  not necessarily the easiest one to achieve," Suu Kyi said.

ALSO WATCH: Person of interest: Aung San Suu Kyi under scrutiny for silence over Rohingya Muslims crisis