The United States on Thursday condemned the violence in Sittwe, Burma over the past day targeting U.N. offices and international NGOs that has resulted in destruction of property and the emergency relocation of international aid workers, including at least three U.S. citizens, to safe havens. "We remain deeply concerned about the continued lack of adequate security forces and rule of law on the ground there and in Rakhine state more broadly, and to protect the outbreak and spread of violence and to protect aid workers, their offices, and other vulnerable populations in the area," State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters. "Our embassy in Rangoon is in contact with Burmese officials, discussing steps to reinforce security. Unhindered and regular humanitarian access to communities in need and the safety and security of humanitarian aid workers to ensure the effective delivery of these services is critical," Harf said during the daily press briefing.
