Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Japan and the Union of Myanmar

May 25, 2009
Japanese

(photo) (photo)

During his visit to Vietnam, Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar U Nyan Win on May 25 (Mon) at 2:15 p.m. (4:15 p.m. JST) for about 35 minutes. The summary of the meeting is as follows.

The charges brought against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
Minister Nakasone expressed his deep concern regarding this issue. He stated that although he understands that this is an issue of judicial process and appreciates the efforts Myanmar has made to provide doctors and lawyers, as well as allowing the diplomatic corps to hear the trial, strong criticism and reactions can be expected from the international community depending on the judicial decision. He pointed out that now is an extremely important moment for both Myanmar and the international community, and that it is Myanmar's benefit to act in an appropriate way taking into account the views of the international community. He also expressed his expectation that democratization in Myanmar proceeds in such a way that it is given high regard by the international community with participation of all and the parties concerned.

In response, Minister U Nyan Win stated that this incident was not brought about by the Government of Myanmar, but was instead created by those who have different viewpoints and affiliations. He stated that Myanmar is making efforts to improve its relationship with the international community, however, those who don't wish Myanmar to make a good relationship with countries such as the United States of America, the European Union members, and Japan create the incident. He also stated that whether or not Daw Aung San Suu Kyi can participate in a general election in 2010 will be regulated by the Election Law that will be enacted shortly, and that anybody can participate in the general election if they fulfill the terms of the Election Law. In addition, he stated that this matter is a judicial procedure, and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's innocence or guiltiness will be determined by the court, and political and economic issues must be kept separate.
The Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting
Minister Nakasone stated that Prime Minister Taro Aso announced last week that the Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting will be held in the latter half of the year, and that the leaders will discuss future cooperation between Japan and the Mekong region at the summit meeting. He requested Myanmar attend the summit meeting as well. In response, Minister U Nyan Win remarked that Japan can play a significant role in the development of the Mekong region as a whole, and that he was pleased to hear Prime Minister Aso's announcement of the Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting. He also stated that he would make every effort for attendance to the summit meeting.
The death of Mr. Kenji Nagai in September 2007
Minister Nakasone stated that this matter continues to receive a great deal of attention within Japan, and requested Myanmar's continuing cooperation in seeking a full accounting of the incident and searching for Mr. Nagai's personal lost articles. Minister U Nyan Win responded by expressing his regret for the incident and explained that Mr. Nagai was attacked not because he was Japanese, but because the accident happened suddenly in the midst of a great number of people. He also stated that Mr. Nagai's personal lost articles are still being searched for, but that they have not yet been found. In response, Minister Nakasone requested Myanmar to continue searching for the lost articles.

(END)

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