UN envoy meets Suu Kyi, junta leaders
UN envoy meets Myanmar's detained opposition leader Suu Kyi
Tokyo: A UN envoy met with Myanmar's detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Sunday after meeting with Myanmar's junta leaders, amid growing international
calls for the government to bring a peaceful end to its crackdown on pro-democracy protests.
A senior Japanese official left for Myanmar on Sunday to convey international concerns over a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests, while hundreds of Myanmar
nationals and activists staged demonstrations in Japan and South Korea.
But there were few signs that China, Myanmar's biggest trading partner, was ready for any immediate action in dealing with the junta despite growing international calls
for it to exercise its influence.
UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari arrived in Myanmar on Saturday and was taken directly to Naypyitaw, where the junta leaders are based. Diplomats earlier indicated he would not go there unless he was assured a meeting with the top leader, Senior Gen. Than Shwe.
Gambari flew back to Yangon on Sunday and was taken to the State Guest House on University Avenue for a meeting with Suu Kyi, according to diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, citing protocol.
Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka was set to arrive in Myanmar's biggest city, Yangon, on Sunday evening, a Foreign Ministry official said on condition of anonymity, citing policy.
Meetings were being arranged between Yabunaka and Myanmar's Foreign Minister Nyan Win and Home Affairs Minister Maj. Gen. Maung Oo, Japan's Kyodo News agency
reported.
The Japanese official said he could not confirm the agency's report.
About 800 Myanmar nationals and 80 Japanese demonstrated in a downpour in Tokyo carrying banners calling for the end of military rule and the release of Suu Kyi who remains under house arrest, according to Sayaka Miyazawa, an organizer.
Protesters planned to light candles in front of the Myanmar Embassy later Sunday in protest of the crackdown, she said.
In Seoul, South Korea, about 300 activists, including some 150 Myanmar nationals, demonstrated outside the Myanmar Embassy.
