DAP: The breaking news in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been closely following recent developments in the riot-hit Rakhine state in western Myanmar, according to a joint statement released Friday by the foreign ministry of Cambodia, the chair of ASEAN in 2012.

"Following consultations, ASEAN foreign ministers expressed their readiness, upon the request of the government of Myanmar, to lend necessary support in addressing the humanitarian assistance in the Rakhine state,"the statement said.

They also welcomed the steps the government of Myanmar has taken to address the domestic issue, including its cooperation with the United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations to address the humanitarian needs of the affected persons and communities.

The ministers also reaffirmed their strong support for the ongoing democratization process in Myanmar.

"ASEAN foreign minister recalled and underlined that the promotion of national solidarity and harmony among the various communities in Myanmar constitute an integral part of Myanmar's ongoing democratization and reform process," the statement said.

They expressed confidence and expectation that Myanmar will continue to remain consistent with its commitment on the irreversibility of the democratization and reform process in the country.

The unrest in the Rakhine state was provoked with the killing of a Rakhine ethnic woman by three Bengali men on May 28 and murder of 10 Muslims by a mob on June 3.

It has escalated into anarchy since June 8, forcing the state government to impose curfew on six riot-hit areas, namely Maugtaw, Buthidaung, Sittway, Kyaukpyu, Yanbye and Thandwe, and then a state of emergency was declared on June 10.

As renewed riot occurred in Kyauktaw on Aug. 8, it became the 7th area placed under curfew in the Rakhine state.

A total of 90 people have been killed, 116 people injured and over 65,000 people displaced in the state since June 8, according to the latest official figures.

A total of 4,822 houses, 17 mosques, 15 monasteries and three schools were burned down.

Myanmar government on Friday formed a 27-member investigation commission to look into the real cause of the conflict in the Rakhine state, according to an order issued by the Presidential Office.

The ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.