UN Chief Concerned over Violence against Civilians in Myanmar's Rakhine

This latest round of violence came after the alleged attacks on Myanmar security forces on Friday by Rohingyas; a Muslim ethnic minority denied citizenship in Myanmar.

The secretary-general, who had condemned Friday's attacks, reiterated the importance of addressing the root causes of the violence against security forces and the responsibility of the Myanmar government to provide security and assistance to those in need, Guterres' spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement, Xinhua news agency reported.

The secretary-general fully supports the recommendations of a report by Kofi Annan, which warned against the danger of inter-communal tensions in Rakhine, and urges the Myanmar government to effectively implement Annan's recommendations, said the statement.

The Myanmar government regards Rohingyas, Muslims living in a Buddhist nation, as illegal immigrants from neighboring Bangladesh.

"Recognizing that Bangladesh has hosted generously refugees from Myanmar for decades, the secretary-general appeals for the authorities to continue to allow the Rohingya fleeing violence to seek safety in Bangladesh. Many of those fleeing are women and children, some of whom are wounded," said the statement.

Guterres called for humanitarian agencies to be granted unfettered and free access to affected communities in need of assistance and protection. The United Nations stands ready to provide all necessary support to both Myanmar and Bangladesh in that regard, said the statement.