Philip D. Murphy

We have to support those in government who see a better path forward.

We have witnessed terrible crimes. There is increasing evidence that security forces are associated with vigilante action.

Burma has emerged from a decades-long struggle to defy authoritarian rule and to transition to a democratic society.

Today's hearing illuminates the fragility of this democratic transition.

Although the crisis persists, our engagement is yielding some results.

I don't take the reluctance of any of these stakeholders in the country as a reason to stop our efforts.

We are looking for actors to take steps to stop the violence, including vigilante action undertaken by local civilians.

We are fully seized with taking all measures to end human suffering now.

What we are motivated by are two things that I would like to highlight. One, there does need to be accountability for any abuses and violations.

The transition to an elected government allowed the will of the people to be expressed.

No, there is no reluctance, Mr. Connolly, at all. I have referred to our senior officials, including Ambassador Haley and Secretary Tillerson, who have referred to what appears to many to be ethnic cleansing.

If this crisis is not managed and the violence brought to an end, it can have an impact on the neighborhood.