1. As today marks four years since the coup d’état took place in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, I express serious concern and deplore that there are still no signs of improvement in the situation in Myanmar and the lives of many Myanmar citizens have been significantly affected. I strongly condemn the Myanmar military for not working toward a peaceful resolution despite repeated calls by the international community while many innocent civilians are killed and wounded daily by airstrikes and other acts of violence.
2. Since the coup d’état, Japan has consistently urged the Myanmar military to take concrete actions to (1) immediately stop the violence, (2) release those who are detained, and (3) swiftly restore Myanmar’s democratic political system, and has provided maximum support for the efforts of ASEAN to improve the situation. The Government of Japan will continue to strongly urge the Myanmar military to immediately cease its airstrikes and other acts of violence, as well as to take concrete steps toward a peaceful resolution by releasing all parties concerned, including State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. In addition, in order to prevent further casualties and avoid further division among the people of Myanmar, Japan earnestly hopes that all of Myanmar’s relevant stakeholders sincerely engage in dialogue to improve the situation. Japan is willing to actively cooperate toward realizing such dialogue.
3. Furthermore, the humanitarian situation has been getting worse since the coup d’état. I am deeply saddened that Myanmar faces this critical situation, with approximately 3.2 million civilians nationwide forced to live as displaced persons. Under the consistent policy to support the people of Myanmar in difficulties, Japan will actively provide humanitarian assistance that directly benefits the people of Myanmar in need. To provide assistance, Japan will strengthen its cooperation with international organizations, NGOs, and other partners, and urge the Myanmar military to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
4. Japan will constantly stand with the people of Myanmar and actively engage in dialogue with various stakeholders. Japan will also further strengthen coordination with the international community, including ASEAN, and work toward improving the situation.

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