Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Conversation between Japan and the Union of Myanmar

Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Conversation between Japan and the Union of Myanmar
May 18, 2009

On May 18 (Mon), 2009 (JST), Minister for Foreign Affairs Hirofumi Nakasone gave a telephone call to Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar U Nyan Win. It continued for about 15 minutes from 5:15 p.m.
The summary of the conversation is as follows;
1. Minister Nakasone stated that Japan was deeply concerned about recent charge brought against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and that it would have a grave effect on the views of countries concerned regarding Myanmar and its general election to be held in 2010. He also stated that it is well known that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was recently ill and humanitarian consideration is needed, and urged Myanmar to act in an appropriate way taking into account of the above-stated views of international community although this is a domestic issue in the judicial process. In addition, Minister Nakasone stated that now is an extremely important moment for the democratization in Myanmar, and expressed his expectation that the democratization process in Myanmar will be advanced in a way that international community could give a high regard for development of the process.

2. Minister U Nyan Win stated that he understands well the points that Minister Nakasone mentioned, that the lawsuit brought against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is related to the violation of law by a U.S. citizen who intruded into her house, that the Government of Myanmar is managing the issue in accordance with relevant laws, and that the crime and the sentence will be decided by the special court. He also stated that the health condition of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the United States citizen are fine, and that the Government of Myanmar is giving proper consideration by providing a special group of doctors attending them. In addition, Minister U Nyan Win stated that the Government of Myanmar is making efforts so that it would have a good relationship with countries concerned like Japan, the United States and European countries, and that he would convey the words of Minister Nakasone to the leaders of the Government.
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