[Straits Times] Communal conflict in Myanmar "tarnished" the country's world image, President Thein Sein said on Sunday, in the wake of violence targeting Mohammedans that saw dozens killed and sparked international concern.A wave of violence that began on March 20 saw mosques and homes burned in several towns in central Myanmar, leaving at least 43 dead and prompting the government to impose emergency rule and curfews in some areas.
"Some members of the public have killed and committed arson in the spirit of anger rather than be governed by the law and their actions have tarnished the country's image on the world stage," said Mr Thein Sein in a radio address late on Sunday.
The former general added that such incidents would "badly harm the country's dignity" with the international community and warned that Myanmar's fledgling democratic transition could be destabilised by the communal fighting.