## Avoidance of Military Uses and of Encouragement of International Conflict

The use of Japanese ODA in developing nations for military purposes or for encouraging international conflict must be strictly avoided. Therefore, Japan does not directly assist the military or military personnel of developing countries through official development assistance.

At the same time, Japan proactively contributes to the fight against terrorism and for peace building. However, in order to avoid materials and funds provided through assistance by Japan to be used for military purposes, Japan follows the principles of ODA implementation when assistance is provided for anti-terrorism activities.

## ● Response for Promoting Democratization for Ensuring Basic Human Rights and Freedoms

In dealing with political turmoil in developing countries, there are instances where doubt exists over the democratic legitimacy of administrations established after conflict, and where a constitution, which guards against infringements of human rights, is suspended. What is more, there is fear that the basic human rights of the citizens may be infringed by such administrations under undemocratic processes. Japan is cautious and prudent when implementing ODA in such instances. Through this approach, Japan ensures that development assistance is used appropriately and conveys to the recipient country its strong concern regarding the state of democratization and human rights.

Myanmar: Myanmar is under the tight rule of a military government. Ever since the May 30, 2003 incident where Miss Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was detained by the military authorities, humanitarian projects of high-urgency, democratization and other human resources development projects, as well as projects in CLMV countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam) and throughout the entire ASEAN region have been selectively implemented cautiously with thorough interest and attention being paid to their content and while watching over the respective political circumstances. While requesting that the Myanmar Government make prompt progress in national reconciliation as well as in the democratization process, Japan will continue to consider economic cooperation for Myanmar in the future.

Fiji: Commodore Bainimarama has held power over Fiji since December 2006 after a bloodless coup d'état. Prime Minister Bainimarama announced a roadmap in July 2009 in aim for holding general elections in September 2014; however, there are calls from the international community demanding that a general election be held at an earlier stage. (Note 47) While focusing on the situation in the country until the implementation of democratic general elections, Japan is encouraging the interim administration to promptly recover a democratic political system in Fiji. In addition, for the time being, Japan plans to pay careful consideration to the possibility of implementing projects on a case-by-case basis, while also evaluating the nation's progress in the democratization process.

Madagascar: In March 2009, an interim “government” has established around Andry Rajoelina, the mayor of Antananarivo, whom had received support from the military. Japan expresses concern over this type of change in administration that does not abide by constitutional order, urging the nation to swiftly reinstate constitutional order based on democratic procedures. In regards to ODA, while Japan takes measures to basically withhold new bilateral aid, Japan also plans to pay individual considerations to and make decisions on the appropriateness of projects in the case that they are urgent, possess humanitarian elements, or support the democratization process.

Guinea: In December 2008, the National Council for Democracy and Development, centered around army Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, assumed control of the nation, establishing an interim military “government.” Japan denounces changes in government that are caused by coup d’états, and, at the same time, urges Guinea to swiftly reinstate constitutional order and a democratic system. In consideration of these political circumstances, Japan will take measures to basically withhold new bilateral aid. However, Japan also plans to pay individual considerations to and make decisions on the appropriateness of projects in the case that they are urgent, possess humanitarian elements, or support the democratization process.