BANGKOK -- The UN Security Council is condemning the violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state that has led more than 370,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. It is also calling for immediate steps to end the violence.
Britain's UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said the press statement Wednesday following closed-door consultations was the first statement the UN's most powerful body has made in nine years on the situation in Myanmar.
The council expressed concern at reports of excessive violence during security operations by Myanmar.
It also called for a de-escalation of the situation, reestablishment of law and order, protection of civilians and a resolution of the refugee problem.
The Security Council welcomed Bangladesh's efforts to help the refugees as well as support from the UN and other international efforts.
Rycroft said several members called for an open meeting on what he called "the catastrophe that is befalling Rakhine state and the Rohingya there."
They also called for a presidential statement from the Security Council. That would become part of its official record, unlike press statements. (AP)