Japanese Ambassador in Mediation

[brelief@xxxxxxx]

How can Japanese diplomats "mediate" when they are quoted accusing Daw Suu
of being "selfish" and when they have to ask Slorc's permission to see her?
Aren't they more likely attempting to bully her into giving up?

"It is selfish to oppose Japan's ODA resumption on the grounds that it
benefits SLORC," one Japanese diplomat said.  (Daily Yomiuiri, May 17)

Daily Yomiuri
May 22, 1996

Ambassador in Mediation

Yangon (Kyodo) -- The Japanese ambassador to Myanmar is acting as mediator
between the ruling military junta and pro - democracy leader Aung San Suu
Kyi in a bid to pave the way for political dialogue, a diplomatic source
said Tuesday.

Ambassador Yoichi Yamaguchi met with Suu Kyi for talks at her lakeside home
Friday and again at the Japanese Embassy on Monday after asking permission
from the junta, known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council, the
source said.