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


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Classified By: A/DCM Mike Meserve per 1.4 (b/d)

Summary
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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
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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
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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

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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