JAPAN,S RESPONSE TO KEEPING PRESSURE ON THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 004634 SIPDIS SIPDIS PLEASE PASS TO EAP/MLS AARON COPE. E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/02/2017 TAGS: PGOV PHUM BM JA SUBJECT: JAPAN,S RESPONSE TO KEEPING PRESSURE ON THE BURMESE REGIME DEMARCHE REF: SECSTATE 137644 Classified By: Charge D' Affairs Joseph R. Donovan for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). Summary and Comment -------------- ¶1. (C) The Japanese Government is waiting for a readout from Deputy Foreign Minister Yabunaka's September 30-October 2 Burma trip before deciding whether to adopt new measures to increase pressure on the Rangoon authorities, VFM Yachi told the Charge October 2. It is unlikely Yabunaka will be able to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi before departing, but he called on the regime to exercise self-restraint when reacting to protesters, pushed for the release of political prisoners and emphasized the need for Burmese leaders to engage in dialogue with pro-democracy groups, Yachi stated. It would be difficult for Japan to curtail humanitarian aid to Burma, but Tokyo is considering imposing formal sanctions, and would welcome U.S. assistance on how to restrict direct aid in favor of using developmental organizations, in the same way the United States does. Japan would also like to participate in international discussions on Burma, Yachi stressed. ¶2. (C) With the video of the point-blank shooting death of a Japanese citizen receiving wide news play and generating universal outrage here, Japan is under unusual pressure to "do something" more than seeking an official apology and the punishment of the perpetrator. Given these unprecedented circumstances, we assess that the Japanese Government may be in a position to do more than it has in the past. Any opportunity to engage with the Japanese bilaterally or multilaterally would be useful in shaping their response to this ongoing crisis. End Summary and Comment. ¶3. (C) The Charge met October 2 with Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi to deliver reftel points and discuss ongoing developments in Burma. After extending his condolences over the death of Kenji Nagai, the Japanese photojournalist killed in Burma on September 27, Charge asked whether Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka will be able to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi before departing Burma. Without ruling out the possibility of a meeting, Yachi replied that it would be very difficult to arrange a meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi and said Yabunaka would depart Burma in the evening on October 2. 
 USG Announcement on Tightening Burma Sanctions -------------- - ¶4. (C) Drawing from reftel, Charge explained that the U.S. is tightening sanctions on senior Burmese officials in response to the long-standing oppression of the Burmese people and the regime's recent use of violence against peaceful demonstrators. We are urging other countries to do the same and hope the United Nations will stay engaged on Burma. The U.S. is also working with ASEAN to push the Burmese regime to bring about important reforms, including ending the violence against demonstrators and beginning genuine dialogue with pro-democracy and ethnic minority leaders, he said. Japan's Next Steps on Burma -------------- ¶5. (C) Japan's priority is investigating the accidental death of journalist Kenji Nagai, Yachi responded. MOFA is also awaiting DFM Yabunaka's trip readout before considering whether to take additional measures to step up pressure. Japan shares the United States' concern over the violent crackdown on demonstrators. Yabunaka delivered a strong message to the Burmese regime, echoing the message from the September 28 G-8 meeting in New York, on the need to exercise self-restraint when reacting to demonstrators, the VFM noted. Yabunaka pushed for the release of political prisoners and emphasized the need for Burmese leaders to engage in dialogue with pro-democracy groups. It would be very helpful if the United States would continue to keep Japan informed on Burma issues, particularly on UN Special Envoy Gambari's visit to Burma, Yachi suggested. ¶6. (C) Yachi downplayed the extent of Tokyo's bilateral ties with Burma and said Japanese assistance is primarily humanitarian. Japanese trade with Burma is already quite limited and the total of Japanese economic assets in the country is almost zero. Japan will continue its policy of TOKYO 00004634 002 OF 002 not starting new ODA projects, but it would be very difficult to restrict all humanitarian assistance, Yachi noted. Japan Considering Sanctions -------------- ¶7. (C) It would send a very strong message to the Burmese regime if Japan adopted formal sanctions, Yachi acknowledged. Tokyo would like to participate in international discussions on this subject. Japan is also studying the possibility of restricting direct assistance to Burma and would like to discuss with the U.S. how to provide humanitarian assistance through developmental organizations, in the same way the United States does, Yachi stated. The United States welcomes the opportunity to work closely with Japan on this, Charge emphasized. DONOVAN