Yangon, (Myanmar): The European Union on Thursday condemned an escalation in violence in Myanmar’s restive Rakhine state that has led to the displacement of around 4,500 people. The EU delegation to Myanmar in a statement urged a halt in clashes between the Myanmar Army and the Arakan Army, an armed group that seeks more autonomy for western Rakhine state’s Buddhist-majority population, and called for dialogue to resolve the conflict, which has escalated since December, reports Efe news. “We call for restraint and urge all sides to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians,” the statement said, while condemning attacks by the Buddhist rebels against four police stations on January 4 in which 13 officers were killed and nine others injured. (IANS)