Japanese MP discuss foreign policy towards Burma

The discussion centered on the issue of possibility of foreign policy change towards Burma and its future prospects, one of the participants at this meeting, Dr. Min Nyo from the Tokyo based-Burma Office, told Mizzima.

The meeting was attended by the MP Union Secretary and ruling Democratic Party Upper House MP Azuma Konno, officials from the Burma Office, the Japan Trade Union and a representative from the Network of Democracy in Burma (NDB). The meeting was held at the office of Azuma Konno in the MP residential block.

The fighting in Shan State, news of importing nuclear weapon technology from North Korea, the use of child soldiers and forced labour issues were also discussed.

 

The issues will be deliberated at a meeting of the MPs Union Extraordinary Meeting to be held on July 12.

Meanwhile, a recent official visit by Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Makiko Kikuta to Burma has reportedly led to reconsidering giving aid to Burma, the Japanese daily paper Yumiuri reported on July 3.

“The Japanese deputy foreign minister said that a new chapter of Japan-Burma relations had been opened. The word new chapter and new page means possible change in foreign policy,” Dr. Min Nyo said.

Pro-democracy forces in Japan believe that the Japanese government should not give aid to Burma as long as there is a civil war going on and no significant democratic change in the country.