Japan 'effectively' refuses to issue visas for two military-appointed diplomats of Myanmar

TOKYO, August 22: Japan has "effectively refused" the request to issue visas for two military-appointed diplomats of Myanmar, Kyodo News reported citing sources.

Myanmar military has requested the Japanese authorities to issue visas for them while Tokyo continues to recognize the status of the two sacked by the coup in March. "Japan has said it 'is considering' the request but has yet to start issuance procedures," the sources said.

Authorities also expressed that they "do not recognize the military, known as Tatmadaw, as a legitimate governing body of Myanmar."

Japan allowing the two replacements to be posted to the Myanmar Embassy in Tokyo would be tantamount to recognizing the February 1 military coup that ousted the country's elected government under civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Kyodo News reported citing government sources.

These developments came following the Myanmar military's move to nullify the status of two diplomats a month after staging a coup against Myanmar's democratically elected government.

However, Japanese authorities have the two to stay in Japan. "We have made arrangements so the two can continue to work as diplomats," Kyodo News reported citing a government source.

Meanwhile, the Immigration Service Agency of Japan has also given a certificate of refugee status to Myanmar national football goalkeeper Pyae Lyan Aung, stating that he could face persecution if he returns to his country.

More than 945 people have been confirmed to be killed since the military takeover on February 1, according to Assistance Association for Political Prisoners

Tennessee flooding leaves at least eight people dead, about 40 still missing, say reports

Tennessee [US] August 22 (ANI/Sputnik): At least eight people died and dozens are still missing in Tennessee following heavy rains and severe flooding in the state's Humphreys County, local media report

Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis told The Tennessean that the search for about 40 people continued late on Saturday. Davis said the flooding, which left at least eight people dead, is the worst he has seen in his 28 years with the department. According to The Tennessean, rural roads and highways throughout Humphreys County have washed away on Saturday as up to 15 inches of rain fell in the community, which is about 20-25 per cent of the yearly rainfall total for this area.

Major power outages and loss of cell phone coverage were reported and a local state of emergency was declared, the newspaper said.