TOKYO: Japan needs to consider measures against Myanmar, such as a suspension of economic cooperation, while closely monitoring the situation there, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said Monday.

“The use of force with guns against peaceful demonstrations is unacceptable,” Kato told a press conference.

Myanmar’s riot police opened fire against demonstrators Sunday, leaving at least 18 dead and many others injured. It was the deadliest crackdown since the Southeast Asian country’s Feb. 1 military coup.

Kato said that no casualties among Japanese nationals have been confirmed so far.

JIJI Press