France Urges Myanmar To Protect Muslims

Move comes amid a resurgence in violence between Buddhists and Muslims.

France called Monday for Myanmar authorities to protect civilians of all ethnic groups "without discrimination'' after reports of renewed deadly violence between Buddhists and Muslim Rohingya.

"France attaches great importance to a peaceful and concerted resolution to ethnic questions in Myanmar, in order to achieve national reconciliation,'' foreign ministry deputy spokesman Vincent Floreani said in a statement.

The ministry called for the status of Muslims in Myanmar's western Rakhine state "to be clarified with regard to right to nationality and for them to enjoy, whatever their status, full respect for human rights.''