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

The use of assistance 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. Furthermore, Japan has actively contributed to the fight against terrorism and peace building through development assistance in recent years. However, given that materials provided through assistance by Japan must not be used for military purposes, it is also necessary that the principle of ODA implementation should be considered when assistance is provided for anti-terrorism activities for example.

In granting aid for counter-terrorism, Japan, in 2007, decided upon the implementation of The Project for Enhancement of Communications System for Maritime Safety and Security to supply and install communications equipment at the Philippine Coast Guard. Similarly, Japan supported Malaysia, in enabling the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Malaysian Maritime Police to strengthen overall sea surveillance ability in the Straits of Malacca and the Malaysian territorial waters through the “Project for the Improvement of Equipment for Maritime Security Enhancement.” Regarding equipment and machinery supplied through these cooperative efforts, it is ensured that all support is implemented in accordance with the “Three Principles on Arms Exports.”

## 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 concerning 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.

Myanmar, for example, is under the tight rule of a military government. Ever since the 2003 incident where Miss Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and others detained by the military authorities, humanitarian projects and other high-urgency human resources development and region-wide democratization projects have been selectively implemented cautiously, with thorough interest and attention being paid to its political situation. However, after the oppression that followed by demonstrations principally by Buddhist monks against the Myanmar authorities, Japan has been much more stringent regarding further consideration of projects. For instance, it announced that it would cease its grant aid program, the Myanmar-Japan Center for Human Resources Development. As pertaining to requesting for national reconciliation as well as rapid progress in the democratization process, Japan considers for economic cooperation with Myanmar in the future.

The human rights situation in Uzbekistan is a source of concern, especially since the Andijan incident that occurred in May 2005. $ ^{3} $ However, Uzbekistan positively demonstrated effort in collaboration and partnership with the international community, such as optimistic trends relating to the human rights situation, including releasing of human rights activists as well as ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the progress in dialogues with Japan and EU on human rights issues. As a result, EU partially relaxed sanctions imposed on Uzbekistan after the Andijan incident in 2007, and a number of international organizations that halted financial support for the country began to gradually recommence their support. Japan too, has engaged in dialogue with Uzbekistan and continues to encourage efforts to improve human rights in the country, while the future course of economic cooperation is going to be considered.

With regard to the so-called “political killings” issue $ ^{4} $ in the Philippines, Japan has continuously conveyed its concerns to the Government of the Philippines at various opportunities. President Arroyo strengthens measures aimed at improving the situation, and Japan tries to promote these measures. While closely observing actions by the Filipino government and paying full attention to the