NLD UNDER RENEWED HARASSMENT, URGES U.S. PRESSURE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 RANGOON 001046

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EAP/BCLTV; PACOM FOR FPA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/11/2015
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL EAID BM NLD
SUBJECT: NLD UNDER RENEWED HARASSMENT, URGES U.S. PRESSURE

Classified By: CDA Shari Villarosa for Reasons 1.4 (b,d)


1. (C) SUMMARY: NLD leaders told the Charge during a
September 12 introductory call that GOB authorities had
recently increased pressure on senior party officials,
leading the NLD to actively avoid giving the SPDC any pretext
to crack down on upcoming party events. At the same time,
the GOB has eased up its intimidation of some rank and file
members, but the NLD says this is a result of lingering
confusion following the demise of the regime's military
intelligence, as well as the SPDC's preoccupation with its
own "internal problems." NLD leaders encouraged the United
States to maintain its current approach (of pressure) and
expressed displeasure with those who advocate engagement with
the regime. END SUMMARY.

RENEWED PRESSURE ON LEADERS


2. (SBU) On September 12, the Charge, joined by P/E chief,
made an introductory call on senior leaders of the National
League for Democracy's Central Executive Committee (NLD CEC).
Representing the CEC at the meeting, which took place at the
NLD's Rangoon headquarters, were Secretary U Lwin and senior
economist U Nyunt Wei. After the call, the Charge also
greeted CEC member U Than Tun as well as several dozen
regional party leaders and members.


3. (C) U Lwin said that NLD leaders had recently experienced
renewed pressure from GOB authorities. As a result, the
party is actively avoiding giving the regime any pretext to
disrupt the NLD's September 27 anniversary commemoration. In
this context, U Lwin noted, he had advised NLD Chairman U
Aung Shwe, who often represents the NLD in meetings with
senior diplomats, to stay at home for "a rest." (Note: The
NLD frequently makes minor accommodations to forestall a
serious SPDC crackdown on party leaders; however, we don't
recall many instances in which regime pressure has led CEC
members to miss an opportunity to meet with U.S. diplomats.
End Note.)

RENEWED SPACE FOR RANK AND FILE, BUT NOT BY DESIGN


4. (C) U Lwin said that in contrast to pressure on NLD
leaders, the GOB was "not too tough" on party members in
recent months. In particular, he said, authorities had been
more tolerant of NLD activities in Mandalay, Magwe, and
Sagaing Divisions--previously targets for the regime's most
abusive posture toward the NLD (including the May 2003 attack
on ASSK and her convoy). U Lwin said this "softening" was
not a sign of greater freedom for the NLD, but rather a
result of lingering confusion in the aftermath of the
dismantling of former PM Khin Nyunt's military intelligence
apparatus. U Lwin also opined that the SPDC was preoccupied
with "internal problems," stemming in part from SPDC Chairman
Than Shwe's declining health related, he said, to treatment
for diabetes.

PRESSURE, NOT ENGAGEMENT


5. (C) The Charge asked the NLD leaders about their views on
the recent Wilton Park meeting on Burma hosted by the British
Government. U Lwin said that the NLD had been unable to
attend due to a lack of access to passports and other travel
documents, and he observed that conference organizers had
been unable to secure the participation of "true
representatives" of the democratic opposition. U Nyunt Wei
said that the NLD "is happy that folks are concerned about
Burma's future, but we (here inside the country) are living
in the present."


6. (C) When asked for NLD positions on U.S. Burma policy, U
Nyunt Wei said the party "would like the United States to
maintain its current approach (of pressure)." He noted that
the NLD had been quite displeased with an EU-sponsored
conference earlier this year at which various academics had
advocated engagement with the SPDC "simply because the
military is entrenched and should therefore be tolerated."
What is really needed, said U Nyunt Wie, is that the
international community demand the SPDC "liberalize" by
releasing ASSK and other political prisoners, opening
political party offices, and starting a dialogue leading to
national reconciliation. U Nyunt Wei specifically omitted
"democracy" as a part of the liberalization, saying that this
topic was for the political dialogue.


7. (C) The Charge noted that the current use of pressure--to
demand the immediate and unconditional release of ASSK and
other political prisoners, permit political parties to freely
operate, and foster a broad, inclusive national
reconciliation process--enjoyed broad, bipartisan support in
Washington. When U Nyunt Wei observed that it was a question
of "will" in standing up to the SPDC, the Charge assured him
that support for Burma's democratic opposition remains
strong, citing recent references to the Burma situation by
both President Bush and Secretary Rice.
GLOBAL FUND

8. (C) The NLD leaders also raised the recent decision of the
Global Fund to terminate its Burma programs and asked about
follow-up plans to deliver humanitarian assistance. The
Charge noted that the Fund had pulled out of Burma because
the GOB had reneged on promises to allow adequate access,
observing that it was unfortunate the regime placed such a
low priority on development and the eradication of serious
diseases.


9. (U) U Lwin closed the meeting by offering his condolences
for the destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina. "I've been
to New Orleans several times," said the NLD Secretary, "and I
am shocked by the impact of this natural disaster." (Note:
NLD Chairman U Aung Shwe sent the Embassy a letter of
condolence on September 6, which has been faxed to EAP/MLS.
End Note.)

COMMENT: SIX YEARS LATER


10. (C) The Charge recalls meeting U Lwin, U Nyunt Wei, and
two other NLD "Uncles" during an official visit to Burma six
years ago. At the time, they seemed vigorous and engaged.
During this meeting, they seemed beaten down with low
expectations for change. We are one of the few diplomatic
missions to regularly visit the NLD's headquarters and we
will continue to search for other ways to boost spirits. END
COMMENT.

Villarosa