FABC News

The FABC and the Australian Sangha Association have written to the Myanmar ambassador regarding our deep concern about the violence in Burma last month. In particular we are alarmed by reports that in some instances the violence may have been instigated and/or supported by some Buddhist monks.

The text of the joint letter read as follows:

30^th April 2013

H.E. U Paw Lwin Sein

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

22 Arkana Street
Yarralumla ACT 2600
Australia.

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Dear Ambassador,

The Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils (FABC), in association with the Australian Sangha Association (ASA), views with considerable alarm and sadness reports of the conflict in Myanmar between the majority Buddhist community and minority Muslim community that has resulted in the injury and death of innocent Muslim citizens of Myanmar.

This tragic conflict, if it can be attributed to the actions of a minority of Buddhist monastics, is profoundly at variance with the teachings of the Buddha and brings unwelcome international attention to Myanmar, a country that has for so many centuries nurtured its Buddhist history and legacy and whose recent democratic reforms under inspiring leadership were beginning to take root.

We respectfully ask that you issue a public statement condemning the violence, and we urge the Government of Myanmar to undertake immediate action to end the conflict and restore peaceful relations between the Buddhist and Muslim communities.

Copy: Senator the Hon Bob Carr, Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Hon Julie Bishop MP, Australian Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs