JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER TELEPHONES BURMESE

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 001131 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/18/2019 TAGS: PREL PHUM BM JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER TELEPHONES BURMESE COUNTERPART REF: TOKYO 1103 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Jim Zumwalt for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: In a first-ever telephone call by a Japanese Foreign Minister to his Burmese counterpart, Foreign Minister Nakasone May 18 telephoned Burmese Foreign Minister U Nyan Win to express Japan's "deep concern" about the case against Aung San Suu Kyi. MOFA had already called in the Burmese Ambassador to Tokyo to register concern (ref.) Japan's main message to Burma is that it hopes the process of democratization will be advanced at an early time in a manner that involves all parties, including San Suu Kyi. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone May 18 telephoned Burmese Foreign Minister U Nyan Win to express Japan's "deep concerns" about the recent charges brought against Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK),according to a press release issued by MOFA. Nakasone told Win the charges against ASSK would have a "grave effect on the views of countries concerned" regarding Burma and its upcoming general elections. He said that everyone knows ASSK has been ill and that humanitarian concerns should be considered. Acknowledging that the ASSK case is a domestic issue being addressed by the courts, Nakasone nevertheless urged Win that Burma should act in an appropriate way taking into account the views of the international community. He noted that this is an extremely important time for democracy in Burma and said it would behoove Burma if the democratization process is advanced in a manner that will be held in high regard by the international community. ¶3. (U) According to the press release, Win replied that he understood the points made by Nakasone, but that the question at hand was one of domestic law that will be decided by a special court. He maintained that ASSK and the Amcit involved are in good health and that a "special group" of doctors is attending them. He concluded that his government is making efforts to have good relations with countries like Japan, the United States, and European countries and that he would convey Nakasone's message to Burma's leadership. ¶4. (C) According to MOFA Southeast Asia Division official Shogo Yoshitake, Nakasone's call to Win was the first time a Japanese Foreign Minister has ever called his Burmese counterpart. This fact alone, he said, should highlight Japan's concern about the situation. He noted that Japan's first reaction came on Friday, May 15, when MOFA Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs Department Director General Hiroshi Inomata called in the Burmese Ambassador to Tokyo, Hla Mynt, to lodge a protest and express Japan's deep concern. (Ref.) Yoshitake said that it is unknown whether FM Nakasone will attend the upcoming ASEM meeting in Hanoi, but if he does, he will seek a meeting with the Burmese to press this point further. Japan's main message is that it hopes the process of democratization in Burma will be advanced at an early time in a manner that involves all parties, including ASSK. ZUMWALT