NAY PYI TAW, 21 May - Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone made a telephone call to U Nyan Win, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, at 2.45 p.m. on 18 May,2009 and they had friendly discussions on the recent developments in Myanmar.

Japanese Foreign Minister expressed his concerns about the recent lawsuit against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. He was also concerned that the action taken by the Myanmar government might affect the views of the international community on Myanmar as well as the successful holding of the general elections in 2010. As he learnt about the recent illness of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, he urged to give humanitarian consideration in this respect. Although the issue is domestic legal process of Myanmar, he requested the Myanmar government to find an appropriate way in solving the issue taking into consideration the views of the international community. Moreover, as Myanmar is now at a critical juncture in its democratization process, he was hoping that it will be advanced into a process which could be given high regard by the international community.

Minister U Nyan Win responded that the incident involving Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and an American citizen could possibly be created by the other side and not by the Myanmar government. This incident will proceed fairly according to the law. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was also given the right to defend her case in consulting with her lawyers. The American citizen was also allowed to get lawyers and granted consular access according to the Vienna Convention. He had no idea what kind of legal action would be taken against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The court will decide according to the law. Both Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the American citizen are in good health. Well-qualified doctors and specialists are assigned to attend to their medical needs. Myanmar is trying to build improved relationship with countries all over the world including US, Japan and European nations. Minister U Nyan Win expressed his opinion that, at a time when US, Japan and European nations are reviewing their policies on Myanmar, it was likely that this incident was timely trumped up, to intensify international pressure on Myanmar, by internal and external anti-government elements who do not wish to see the positive changes in those countries' policies towards Myanmar.

(Source: The New Light of Myanmar dated 22 May 2009)