Burmese opposition leader has told the BBC that there was no ethnic cleansing of Muslims in the country, and that a “climate of fear” increased tensions between Buddhists and Muslims.
When questioned about the 140,000 Muslims who were forced to leave their homes, Suu Kyi replied that many Buddhists had also fled the country.
"I think the problem is due to the fear felt by both sides," she told the BBC's Mishal Husain.
"Muslims have been targeted but Buddhists have also been subjected to violence. This fear is what is leading to all this trouble."
Her claims run contrary to claims by human rights organisations, including HRW.
The group, based in New York, called on Burmese officials in April to end ethnic cleansing of Muslims.
No place for Islam? Buddhist nationalism in Myanmar - Al Jazeera (18 Oct 2013)