TOKYO, June 25 (UPI) -- Japan has suspended aid to Myanmar in protest of the military government's detention of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The move by Myanmar's biggest aid donor will intensify pressure on the junta to address the international community's concerns over the pro-democracy leader, the BBC reported Wednesday.
Tokyo's decision comes after Japan's Senior Vice Foreign Minister Tetsuro Yano failed at dialogue with the junta Monday.
Japan gave around $17 million in economic aid and technical support to Myanmar last year.
Sanctions against the junta have already been stepped up by the European Union and the United States is also in the process of toughening sanctions.
Suu Kyi has been in jail since May 30, following clashes between her supporters and individuals allegedly sponsored by the government.
British Foreign Office Minister Mike O'Brien told journalists Wednesday he had again been refused permission to telephone her.
