PATRIOT DAY IN RANGOON

UNCLAS RANGOON 001167 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAO BM ASSK NLD SUBJECT: PATRIOT DAY IN RANGOON ¶1. (U) Some 325 invited guests, including high-ranking GOB military and civilian officials, Aung San Suu Kyi and the senior NLD leadership, Muslim representatives, ethnic leaders, and about 100 resident American citizens gathered September 11 in downtown Rangoon to observe Patriot Day. COM Martinez presented a short address and read President Bush's Patriot Day announcement. The MSG detachment posted the colors, a Kachin choir sang U.S. patriotic songs, and the gathering observed a minute of silence to honor the victims and heroes of the terrorist attacks. ¶2. (SBU) Following the 30-minute ceremony, invitees repaired to a reception hosted by DAO. Aung San Suu Kyi's rare public appearance created a stir, particularly as the event also brought together senior military officers, ethnic leaders, religious clerics (including the spokesman of Burma's Shi'a community),the diplomatic corps, and business leaders. GOB authorities worked closely with the hotel and RSO to provide excellent and unobtrusive security for the event. Media coverage was good, and many resident Amcits voiced appreciation for being included. COM drew on very helpful media talking points provided by PA for her remarks. ¶3. (SBU) This event, a successful, dignified commemoration of Patriot Day, also provided a much-needed venue to bring together Burmese of various political and ethnic persuasions who rarely have the opportunity to meet face-to-face. ASSK told the COM that it was "wonderful" to meet with young attendees (e.g., the members of the Kachin choir) and also with many ambassadors who she said "rarely come close to me." At one point several senior ethnic leader and Aung San Suu Kyi were conversing in a corner--we quickly scanned the room for the senior GOB representative (instant tripartite dialogue?) but he had unfortunately just departed. Given the many compliments we received from numbers ambassadors and from ASSK on the excellent contact opportunities the event provided, post plans more such large public diplomacy events in the future.