\n
UN Photo\/ICJ-CIJ\/ Frank van Beek<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Ko Ko Hlaing, Agent of Myanmar, addresses judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Myanmar acted against terrorists<\/h2>\n
Myanmar also rejected claims that its military\u2019s so-called \u201cclearance operations\u201d in northern Rakhine state in 2016 and 2017 were genocidal in intent, maintaining they were counter-terrorism operations launched in response to attacks by the armed groups.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, Myanmar was not obliged to remain idle and allow terrorists to have free rein of northern Rakhine state,\u201d Mr. Hlaing told the Court, while acknowledging that civilians were killed and large numbers of people fled to Bangladesh as a result of the clashes.<\/p>\n
He further disputed allegations that Myanmar denies the existence or rights of the Muslim population in northern Rakhine state, arguing that questions of citizenship, terminology and identity \u201chave nothing to do with genocide.\u201d<\/p>\n
Myanmar said it has complied with all procedural orders of the Court, including provisional measures issued in January 2020, and has submitted regular reports on steps taken.<\/p>\n
It also reiterated its stated commitment to the repatriation of displaced people from Bangladesh, citing bilateral agreements and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.<\/p>\n
The case before the ICJ<\/h2>\n
The case stems from an application filed by Gambia in November 2019, accusing Myanmar of violating the Genocide Convention through acts allegedly committed during military operations in Rakhine state.<\/p>\n
Those operations escalated in 2017, forcing more than 700,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh amid widespread killings, sexual violence and village burnings, according to UN investigations. Nearly one million Rohingya remain refugees in Bangladesh.<\/p>\n
The hearings, which will continue through late January, mark the first time the Court is examining the merits of the case. The Court\u2019s final judgment, which could take months after the hearings conclude, will be legally binding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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