HIGH-LEVEL JAPAN-BURMA CONTACTS IN SINGAPORE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 005336 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/26/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL BM JA SUBJECT: HIGH-LEVEL JAPAN-BURMA CONTACTS IN SINGAPORE TOKYO 00005336 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: A/DCM Mike Meserve per 1.4 (b/d) Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) During separate meetings November 20 and 21, PM Yasuo Fukuda and FM Masahiko Koumura called on their Burmese counterparts to take steps to promote democratization and human rights and to begin a "substantial" dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi. They also urged the Burmese authorities to continue to work with UN Special Advisor Gambari to find ways to improve the situation there. Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein and Foreign Minister Nyan Win complained that, although Burma is taking steps to democratize, international economic sanctions are hindering Burma's efforts to develop economically and democratically. Both Fukuda and Koumura called on their counterparts to provide a full accounting of the murder of Japanese videographer Kenji Nagai and to return his personal effects, including his video camera. End Summary. PM Fukuda's Meeting with Thein Sein -------------- ¶2. (C) Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda met November 21 with Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein in Singapore. During their 25-minute exchange, PM Fukuda stated that it is important for the Burmese government to constantly send a clear message to the international community that it is moving towards democratization, MOFA Southeast Asia Division I Principal Deputy Director Atsushi Kuwabara told Embassy Tokyo Political Section Deputy. The PM also underlined the importance of making its dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi "substantial." Burma should take advantage of the current situation in which the international community is paying close attention to its developments; by showing a sincere commitment to transform for the better, Burma could win the international community's support for further development. Japan supports Special Advisor Gambari's efforts and hopes for further democratization and human rights progress, Fukuda said. ¶3. (C) PM Thein Sein responded that Burma has been making efforts for democratization and explained the ongoing "democratization process" that is underway there. PM Fukuda responded that the participation of all people, including the opposition, in this process is vital. Thein Sein stated that the Burmese government would like to solve the problems before it by "resolutely proceeding with democratization," and noted that Burma is cooperating with the UN. In fact, the results of Special Advisor Gambari's four visits are already being seen. The Burmese government, while working on the democratization process, is also making efforts for national stability, economic development and education promotion, and the economic sanctions imposed by western nations are causing suffering for the general public. PM Thein Sein asked for support from the international community, as economic sanctions "prevent advancement of democratization." ¶4. (C) On the murder of Japanese national Kenji Nagai during the recent crackdown, PM Fukuda requested a "prompt and sincere accounting" of Nagai's death and the return of all his belongings, including his video camera. PM Thein Sein said the death was "extremely regrettable," but that the incident was completely accidental. In closing PM Thein Sein delivered SPDC chairman Than Shwe's message to congratulate PM Fukuda's assumption of the office, as well as an invitation to visit Burma. In response, PM Fukuda stated that he hoped the situation would improve enough to allow him to visit. FM Koumura's Meeting with Nyan Win -------------- ¶5. (C) During a separate meeting on November 20, Foreign Minister Koumura sat for 35 minutes with Foreign Minister Nyan Win. This was their second meeting since the UN General Assembly meeting in late September. FM Koumura expressed Japan's and the international community's concern regarding the democratization and the human rights situation in Burma and requested "drastic measures" to improve things. FM TOKYO 00005336 002.2 OF 002 Koumura further stated that Special Advisor Gambari is Burma's friend, and that Gambari has been working consistently with both the Burmese authorities and the opposition. For his part, Gambari has requested that the international community provide needed assistance to Burma when it takes positive steps. Japan supports Mr. Gambari's position, but for Burma to receive assistance, it must show the international community its strong determination to democratize, FM Koumura said. ¶6. (C) FM Nyan Win responded that the Burmese government would continue its close cooperation with Gambari and that, although Gambari's proposal includes items not easily acceptable to the government, Burma has been doing all it can and will continue to make efforts to "improve the situation." Furthermore, Burma is in the midst of implementing the Seven Steps Roadmap for democratization, and the international community should support it, not prevent it. Economic sanctions impede Burma's development and delays Burma's democratization, FM Win said. ¶7. (C) FM Koumura made the same points as the Prime Minister on the accounting of Nagai's death. FM Nyan Win responded that Nagai's death was regrettable and expressed his hope that the incident would not have a negative effect on bilateral relations. FM Win also stated that a detailed explanation of the incident will be presented to the Japanese Embassy in Rangoon. With regards to the video camera, although "difficult," FM Nyan Win will press the Interior Ministry for resolution. DONOVAN