Statement by Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on Reconvening of the National Convention of Myanmar

May 17, 2004
Japanese

The Government of Japan has paid close attention to reconvening of the National Convention of Myanmar and deemed it could be a significant step toward democratization of the country. While fully recognizing the endeavors by the Government of Myanmar toward reconvening of the National Convention, the Government of Japan is concerned that the National Convention started without all the relevant parties being involved on the 17th of May and whether it would be able to hold substantively meaningful discussions, and thus, expects the Government of Myanmar to make even further efforts in this respect.
The Government of Japan has reiterated the importance of the full involvement of all the parties including the National League for Democracy, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic minorities in the National Convention, and requested the Government of Myanmar to ensure it on many occasions. The Government of Myanmar has made it clear that it is striving to realize the participation of all the parties concerned. The Government of Japan strongly hopes that further efforts including constructive dialogues among the parties will lead to the realization of the meaningful discussions at the National Convention to be attended by all the parties concerned as soon as possible.
The Government of Japan calls for substantive progress of the democratization process in Myanmar and would make every effort for it.

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