An Open Letter to President Obama and President Thein Sein in Support of Peace, Reconciliation and Development in Myanmar

An Open Letter to President Obama and President Thein Sein in Support of Peace, Reconciliation and Development in Myanmar PR Newswire OTTAWA, Nov. 18, 2012 OTTAWA, Nov. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of a meeting between United States President Barack Obama and Myanmar President U Thein Sein, five women Nobel Peace Laureates of the Nobel Women's Initiative sent an open letter urging the heads of state to commit to bringing an end to the escalating and systematic violence in Rakhine State. This would include full access for humanitarian aid into affected areas and the creation of a reconciliation process led by local community leaders. Full copy of the open letter follows: November 18, 2012 President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington DC 20500 USA President U Thein Sein Office of the President Naypyidaw Myanmar In Support of Peace, Reconciliation and Development in Myanmar Dear President Obama, Dear President Thein Sein, As you meet together in Myanmar this week, we are writing to urge your firm commitment to bring an end to the escalating and systematic violence in Rakhine State. We are deeply saddened by reports of the recent deaths of 170 people, and the displacement up to 110,000 people from their homes. We also encourage an end to the restrictions on humanitarian assistance, preventing survivors of the violence - including women and children - from getting much- needed medical help, food and shelter.