Aung San Suu Kyi's refusal so far to defend the Rohingya has enraged the international community.
Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi broke her near-silence on communal violence scorching through Rakhine state, in a televised speech on a Rohingya refugee crisis that has shocked the world and prompted the United Nations to accuse the country's army of ethnic cleansing. Around 40,000 Rohingyas have settled in India. About 16,000 are registered with the United Nation's refugee agency.The United Nations' top human rights body has criticised the government plan to deport Rohingyas, saying India "cannot carry out collective expulsions, or return people to a place where they risk torture or other serious violations."
Here are the highlights Aung San Suu Kyi's speech on Rohingyas:
Aung San Suu Kyi: Even before this crisis started, we had ensure that development work had started in Rakhine for the prosperity of all. We want peace and progress, we work for peace, stability and rule of law of the land.
Aung San Suu Kyi: We will take all measures mentioned to ensure that there is peace in Rakhine and Myanmar as a whole. We will also investigate why so many young Muslims are crossing the border and going to Bangladesh. We will ask them why they are doing this?
Myanmar 'feels deeply for suffering' of all groups in Rakhine: Aung San Suu Kyi
Myanmar 'feels deeply for suffering' of all groups in Rakhine: Aung San Suu Kyi
Aung Suu Kyi says Myanmar does not fear 'international scrutiny' over Rohingya crisis: AFP
We are committed to the restoration of peace, stability and the rule of law, says Aung San Suu Kyi.
Aung San Suu Kyi: People expect us to make things okay in a very short span of time. 18 months is a very short period of time to solve the crisis. We will rise to the challenge over time
Aung San Suu Kyi has started her televised address.