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