Japan considers full aid policy to Myanmar after by-elections

With the recent success of the by-elections in Burma, it can heighten and boost up the economic reforms in Myanmar, top Japanese government spokesman Osamu Fujimura said on Monday.

Japan is optimistic that the national reconciliation is just a step away to reality and the desire for democracy is now at hand, Fujimura said at a news conference. Because of the triumph and achievement of democratic leader Aung San SuuKyi together with her party the National League for Democracy it was indeed a remarkable historic winning in the election last Sunday in Myanmar, news report from Kyodo said.

It’s now Japan’s turn to examine and analyse whether to continue the recent aid policy with the aim of providing full support and also to make the availability of yen loans. These loans to be granted will mark Japan’s first ever loans to Myanmar since year 1980. They had been granting yen loans but it was put to stop in the year 1987 due to the fact that its incurred debts were increasing.

Myanmar President Thein Sein will take a visit to Japan later this month and this will be the best time the government of Japan will officially pronounce when the yen loans will be granted and approved. On April 21, leaders of Japan and five Mekong region nations including President Thein Sein will be joining in a summit, reports from Kyodo.