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YANGON, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi on Thursday stressed the need to tackle the Rakhine issue based on the strength of unity.

Suu Kyi made the remarks in a speech to the nation, aired by the state radio and TV.

Thanking people for standing together with the government with full understanding and unity at a time of challenges, she said there was no power that can compare with support of the people, trust of the people and unity of the people, believing that no matter whatever difficulties the country faces, it can be overcome with unity of the nation.

Noting the world's attention on the Rakhine issue since terrorist attacks occurred in Rakhine state, Suu Kyi emphasized the need to continue doing things that need to be done correctly, bravely and effectively.

Extremist terrorists renewed attacks in the districts of Maungtaw and Buthidaung in Rakhine state in August, prompting Myanmar's security forces to counter the offensive and causing displacement of local residents.

She prioritized three main tasks to be done in Rakhine - repatriation of refugees who have crossed over to Bangladesh and providing humanitarian assistance effectively; resettlement and rehabilitation; and bringing development to the region and establishing lasting peace.

She said Myanmar is negotiating with Bangladesh for the third time on the matter of accepting those who are now in Bangladesh, adding that since the country's independence, Myanmar has successfully negotiated with Bangladesh on the issue for twice.

For the development of Rakhine state, Suu Kyi called for setting up the "Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine" chaired by herself, which involves the private sector, local non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations, friendly countries and United Nations agencies.

To achieve peace and development of the country, she called for overcoming all challenges and obstacles by loving kindness, compassion and sympathetic joy despite anger, hatred and bullying Myanmar may have to face.