Myanmar minorities seek Japanese mediation

A coalition of eleven  ethnic minority groups in Myanmar requesting the Japanese government to mediate peace talks between the coalition and the government of Myanmar.Vice President Saw David Tharckabaw of the United Nationalities Federal Council, or UNFC, made the appeal at a news conference in Tokyo on Friday.

He acknowledged the effort for peace by Myanmar President Thein Sein but he expressed distrust for certain groups within the government.He said that through its provision of yen loans, Japan can exercise influence with the Myanmar government. He expressed hope that Japan's mediation will encourage the government to respect the positions of the minorities.
He and 2 other officials from the coalition groups made a similar request when they visited Japan's Foreign Ministry on Thursday.The Foreign Ministry says it will investigate what action Japan can take.

Armed ethnic minorities in Myanmar have fought government forces over regional autonomy for more than half a century.Since Thein Sein was inaugurated as president in March last year, 10 of the 11 ethnic armed groups have agreed to a ceasefire. The UNFC is hoping to hold more talks to achieve permanent peace.Media agencies