Statement on July 17 by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations of the Foreign Ministry on the Situation in Myanmar

July 17, 1998

1. Japan is concerned about the current situation in Myanmar, because there has been hightened tension between its Government and the National League for Democracy (NLD). After the NLD sent a letter calling upon the Government of Myanmar to convene the parliament within fixed period in accordance with the results of the 1990 general election, there were scuffles between the security police and members of the NLD in front of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's house, and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi herself has had restrictions placed on travel outside the capital.
   
   
2. Japan recognizes the importance of dialogue between the Government of Myanmar and the NLD including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and strongly hopes that the two sides will make every effort, with tolerance and restraint, to improve the situation.
   
   
3. Japan has been keenly interested in the state of democratization and human rights in Myanmar. It has seized every opportunity to encourage the Government of Myanmar to promote democratization and improve the human rights situation through guaranteeing political freedom, ensuring the due process of law, resuming university classes, etc.