ASSK UNDERGOES "MAJOR" SURGERY

C O N F I D E N T I A L RANGOON 001167 SIPDIS USPACOM FOR FPA E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/18/2013 TAGS: PREL PGOV BM ASSK SUBJECT: ASSK UNDERGOES "MAJOR" SURGERY REF: RANGOON 1160 (NOTAL) Classified By: COM Carmen Martinez for Reasons 1.5 (B,D) ¶1. (SBU) On September 19, Aung San Suu Kyi's surgeon told several diplomats and assembled reporters that ASSK had undergone a "major" three hour surgery from noon to 3:00 p.m. The surgeon, Dr. Tin Myo Win, who is also ASSK's personal physician, declined to discuss the reason for the operation, but said the surgical team had consisted of himself, two anesthesiologists, and one gynecologist. Dr. Tin Myo Win reported that the surgery was "100 percent successful" and that no blood transfusion was required. ASSK remains hospitalized, and under military guard, at the Asia Royal Cardiac Hospital in downtown Rangoon where the operation took place. ¶2. (C) According to Embassy sources, ASSK was admitted to the hospital late on September 17 (reftel) and surgery was originally scheduled for September 18, but was then postponed for one day. We made several visits to the hospital on September 19 and requested an opportunity to see ASSK and deliver flowers. Hospital authorities initially denied ASSK was a patient, but eventually acknowledged her presence and accepted the flowers, but refused to allow a personal visit. Military intelligence officers have sealed off two floors at the hospital, including the top floor (9th) where ASSK is reportedly recuperating. Several dozen NLD supporters were at the hospital today, quietly seeking information, but there was no other democratic opposition activity observed in Rangoon. ¶3. (C) Comment: We understand that ASSK's doctor is under strict orders not to reveal specific information about her condition, or to comment on how long her stay at the hospital will last. This surgery was clearly more than a "routine outpatient procedure," as we had heard yesterday. Sources tell us the operation was for a gynecological procedure, and we are also aware that ASSK suffers from a serious stomach ulcer. Martinez