A spokesperson of the Office of the President, U Zaw Htay, said three camps for the internally displaced people (IDPs) in Rakhine State are to be closed down. The decision, which will pave a way for return of more than 300 families, was taken at a meeting of the Rakhine State Peace, Stability and Development Committee held on 5 April. “The main aim for closing of the camps was to promptly implement one of the key recommendations in the preliminary report by Kofi Annan advisory commission, we are also planning to work on other recommendations by the commission,” U Zaw Htay said. He said the commission advised to close down Kanyin Taw camp in Kyauk Phyu, where Rakhine people are accommodated as well as an IDP camp in Ramree for Kaman Muslims and Kyini Pyin camp in Pauktaw for Rohingyas. He said 65 families from Kanyin Taw as well as 48 families from Ramree and 215 from Kyini Pyin camps are to be relocated. He said the Government of Rakhine State in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement would work for relocation of the IDP families. However, a member of Kaman Progress Party said there were weak points in implementation of the relocation plan. U Tin Win Hlaing said it is a big challenge to relocate and reintegrate the Kaman people who are displaced since 2012. Reference: The Voice Daily April 6/ News Watch 8 April