SPDC REJECTS CEASE-FIRE GROUPS' NC APPEAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L RANGOON 000601 SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/BCLTV; USPACOM FOR FPA COMMERCE FOR ITA JEAN KELLY E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/08/2014 TAGS: PGOV PINS BM SUBJECT: SPDC REJECTS CEASE-FIRE GROUPS' NC APPEAL REF: RANGOON 600 Classified By: COM Carmen M. Martinez for Reasons 1.4 (B,D) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: The SPDC rejected an 11th hour appeal from Burma's eight largest cease-fire groups on May 12 to allow free discussions during the National Convention. The SPDC's reported response on May 13 stated the Prime Minister is upset the cease-fire groups don't want the military involved in the political process. The PM pointed out that in fact the military will only be a minority of 100 in the new 400-member parliament. In the end, on May 14 the cease-fire groups headed off to the convention site as planned. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Eight cease-fire groups submitted a joint letter May 12 to the Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission, Secretary-1 Lt Gen Thein Sein, asking for amendment of the draft constitution's six political objectives, which they described as "unsuited for the peoples' wishes for a democratic process." The letter also asked for amendment of the 104 principles, which they see as "incompatible with democratic reforms," and for the promise of free discussion with any individual or organization during the upcoming National Convention. ¶3. (C) In reply, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt reportedly sent the SPDC's chief ethnic armed group negotiator Col San Pwint to tell the cease-fire groups that the Prime Minister is "upset" that the cease-fire groups want the military to stay out of politics, especially after he has done so much for them. The PM believes the letter was "not written intentionally," and feels there is a misunderstanding regarding the military's role in politics. The PM's envoy claimed that with just 100 out of the 400 seats in the parliament, the military will only have a minority platform in politics. The Prime Minister hoped the cease-fire groups would remain within the good graces of the government. ¶4. (C) COMMENT: In the early afternoon on May 14 the cease-fire groups, despite their misgivings about procedures, made their way to the Convention site prepared to participate on May 17. They continue to aspire to overturn the six objectives and 104 principles, or at least to fix a timeline for phasing the military out of the legislature and government. However, without the participation of the NLD and the SNLD (ref),there are far fewer critical voices to add to theirs. END COMMENT. Martinez