BURMA: THE MEANING OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOM

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 RANGOON 001298

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FOR EAP/MLS AND DRL/SEA (PSAWCHYN)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/2015
TAGS: PHUM BM
SUBJECT: BURMA: THE MEANING OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOM

REF: STATE 202764

Classified By: P/E Chief W. Patrick Murphy for Reasons 1.4 (b,d)


1. (U) Reftel requested quotes from individuals around the
world on the meaning of human rights and freedom. Burma is a
source of great inspiration in this regard, given the courage
of its many activists and pro-democracy supporters who have
struggled for years to overcome the tyranny and repression of
a brutal military regime.


2. (SBU) We offer below a selection of quotes that would be
relevant for the Department's commemoration of Human Rights
Day during the week of December 5-9. Regretfully, however,
those who speak out publicly inside Burma on these issues
face serious repercussions from a regime that has a total
disregard for freedom of speech. In several cases (para 5),
we have indicated that the identity of an individual must be
protected if their quote is used in print.

QUOTABLES, WITH ATTRIBUTION


3. (U) Aung San Suu Kyi: The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate has
published abundant views on human rights and democracy and
many of her speeches are in the public domain. Given that
she has spent over ten years in detention for the peaceful
expression of her political views, and that she is currently
serving yet another lengthy stint under house arrest, we
would highly recommend that her voice be among those
highlighted. A few examples from ASSK, the General Secretary
of the National League for Democracy:

--"Every fight for freedom is an individual fight. It is an
individual fighting for his or her rights. At the same time,
it is a universal struggle, the struggle of all who believe
it is wrong to inflict wrong on others." From a letter
smuggled out of Burma and quoted in honor of the 100th
anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize, December 8, 2001.

--"A nation where its citizens can be subjugated to the abuse
of power by an individual or group of individuals cannot be
called 'independent.'" (ibid.)

--"The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is
freedom from fear." Aung San Suu Kyi, from her publication
of essays, "Freedom From Fear and Other Writings" (1996,
revised).


4. (U) More quotable quotes:

"Law, order, and justice have been employed as an implement
of repression and to silence dissent." UN Special Rapporteur
on the Situation of Human Rights in Burma, Paulo Sergio
Pinheiro, in a report to the UNGA's Social, Humanitarian and
Cultural Committee on October 27, 2005. The regime has
denied Pinheiro a visit to Burma since November 2003.

--"We seek freedom for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, not for mercy,
bad health, nor poor health. We seek freedom for Daw Aung
Suu Kyi for she has a duty to perform. She is a person
accepted by all local and international bodies who could
bring reconciliation to this nation. Free Aung San Suu Kyi."
From a statement issued in Rangoon on April 8, 2004 by the
Central Executive Committee of the NLD.

IDENTITY PROTECTED


5. (C) Quotes that require identify protection:

--"In this unfinished revolution, should my soul be gripped
with fear, be hesitant, and lack courage -- let your souls
enter into mine and steer me along." Min Ko Naing, former
student leader, freed on November 19, 2004 after 15 years in
Burmese prisons (most of which was in solitary confinement);
in a poem he penned while in detention. (Unclassified if his
name is redacted and he is identified as a former political
prisoner and a leading dissident.)

--"The first thing I could feel when I set foot on American
soil is fairness, social harmony, and responsibility.
Because of these values, American is an achievement of
mankind, the land of opportunity, and a beacon for freedom
and fairness." Khin Maung Lwin, International Visitor
program participant, current businessman, and a former air
force pilot, in a letter to U.S. Embassy personnel, October

2005. (Unclassified if his name is redacted and he is
identified as a recent IV participant.)

--"The last I knew, I was still a party divisional leader and
I've got work to do." U Kyaw Hsan, a then 72 year-old Member
of Parliament-elect, who was released on November 19, 2004
after serving nine of the previous twelve years in prison.
He spoke to an Embassy officer a week after his release and
explained why he was so quickly back at work at NLD
headquarters. U Kyaw Hsan was re-arrested March 17 of this
year and remains in prison. (Unclassified if his name is
redacted and he is identified as a 73 year-old pro-democracy
party activist.)

--"We hope for the best, but expect the worst." NLD
Secretary U Lwin to Embassy officer on May 13, 2004, one

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month after his own release from house arrest, describing the
party's dealings with the Burmese regime over the detention
of Aung San Suu Kyi and other party leaders. (Unclassified
if his name is redacted and he is identified as a
pro-democracy opposition party leader.)

--"Our people won't be duped." NLD Central Executive Member
U Nyunt Wei on April 19, 2004, commenting to Embassy officers
on the military regime's efforts to convene a national
convention to rubber stamp a new constitution creating what
he called a "constitutional dictatorship." (Unclassified if
his name is redacted and he is identified as a pro-democracy
opposition party leader.)

--"We don't like the captain of the boat, and we don't like
the destination." (ibid.)

STOLTZ