A UN Security Council delegation briefed the media on Tuesday on its return to the Myanmar capital Naypyitaw following a visit to Rakhine state.

The members stressed the need for the right conditions to be present for the return of the thousands of Rohingya refugees who have fled to Bangladesh to escape military-led violence in Myanmar.

The recent spasm of violence in Myanmar began when Rohingya insurgents staged a series of attacks on 25 August on about 30 security outposts and other targets.

In a subsequent crackdown - described by UN and US officials as "ethnic cleansing" - Myanmar security forces have been accused of rape, killing, torture and the burning of Rohingya homes.

Thousands are believed to have been killed.

The refugees are seeking UN protection to return home.

The UN refugee agency and Bangladesh recently finalised a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that said the repatriation process must be "safe, voluntary and dignified ... in line with international standards."

Karen Pierce, the UK's Ambassador to the United Nations said that a proper investigation needs to take place into why the Rohingya were forced to flee, and that Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said Myanmar would carry one out if it is given enough evidence.

She added that "the Security Council will now go away and reflect on how best we can respond to the state controller with her offer and what the best next steps might be."