PUBLIC DIPLOMACY TRAINING PROMOTES INTER-ETHNIC

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 RANGOON 000390

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EAP/PD FOR ANNE SESHADRI, EAP/RSP FOR KAREN
MCCARTHY, DRL/PHD FOR VANESSA GOLDING
BANGKOK FOR USAID
STATE PASS USAID FOR CHRISTINE WEGMAN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/31/2015
TAGS: KDEM KPAO EAID PREL BM
SUBJECT: PUBLIC DIPLOMACY TRAINING PROMOTES INTER-ETHNIC
COOPERATION

REF: A. 04 RANGOON 1456

B. RANGOON 224

C. RANGOON 345


1. (U) This cable includes an Action Request. Please see
paragraph 11.


2. (C) Summary. As the "Global English" Program completes
its fifth month, enthusiasm for the course remains high among
the 23 enrolled participants representing nine ethnic
democratic political parties. Despite some obstacles to
attending the program, most participants have requested an
extension of their enrollment beyond the program's current
nine-month schedule. They have affirmed that the program
contributes to inter-ethnic understanding and (they hope)
long-term cooperation. To date, the program has covered
globalization and economic development, including such topics
as social indicators, and the role of international
organizations. Post seeks Department assistance to resolve
outstanding ESF funding issues for the program. End Summary.


3. (C) A series of individual feedback sessions between
Global English participants and public diplomacy officer
revealed that enthusiasm for the course, initiated in October
2003 (REFTEL A) and now completing its fifth month, remains
high. In fact, most of the 23 program participants, drawn
from nine ethnic democratic parties, have requested the
program be extended beyond its current nine-month term,
saying that the coursework is contributing to the attainment
of their long-term goals in politics, education (particularly
in regards to English language study),and their own careers,
and that additional in-depth study of subjects in the
curriculum would be helpful.


4. (C) The participants made this request despite the fact
that a number of them have outside commitments that at times
limit their ability to attend class: some participants based
in the provinces must return upcountry periodically for
political consultations and/or to deal with family issues;
others run their own businesses; and one is in the midst of
formal university studies.


5. (C) More ominously, program attendance has been affected
by recent SPDC moves against the democratic opposition,
particularly Shan-affiliated political groups (REFTEL B).
For example, two UNA-affiliated program participants were
detained briefly for questioning by Burmese authorities in
relation to the recent arrest of SNLD Chairmen of Khun Htun
Oo and other Shan politicians. A third class member left
Rangoon, fearing negative consequences from his association
with one of the arrested Shan politicians, and still another
SNLD-affiliated member may depart Rangoon shortly in order to
help reorganize the party in Shan State. Separately, a class
member from a Rohingya minority-affiliated party has also
been detained for questioning by authorities and will likely
face imprisonment (REFTEL C). The detentions are apparently
unrelated to participation in the Global English program, and
in fact, to date, those detained and released resumed their
attendance immediately.


6. (C) To date, the program has covered globalization and
economic development, including such topics as social
indicators, and the role of international organizations.
Embassy Economics Officer also discussed foreign direct
investment and U.S. economic sanctions with the group. (Other
Embassy Officers will lecture on additional topics in future
classes.) However, the program has been unable to begin on
its schedule of inviting expert speakers to visit because the
ESF funding promised for the project has not arrived at post.



7. (C) Though most of the program participants did not know
each other prior to joining the program, all agree that their
participation in Global English has helped increase
inter-ethnic understanding. Course members have discovered
commonalties in the struggles of their fellow ethnic groups,
and they hope this mutual understanding will engender
long-term inter-ethnic cooperation.


8. (C) Participants have learned more about Burma's place in
the world, particularly in terms of its development status
and economic situation. Though most class members were aware
of Burma's underdeveloped status, many were shocked and
dismayed to learn of just how low Burma's status has sunk in
relation to other countries in the world (as measured, for
example, by the UN's Human Development Index) and the
military regime's role in "attaining" that status.


9. (C) The program's influence on individual's attitudes can
sometimes be described as profound. For example, one class
member commented that learning about globalization and
Burma's place in the world made him realize that he could no
longer only consider the interests of his own ethnic group;
he now comprehended the larger connections between his group
and other parts of Burma and the rest of the world. Another
student mentioned how prior to joining the course, she
believed armed struggle was an acceptable and effective means
to achieve political goals for her ethnic group, but that she
has since revised her thinking after learning about the
non-violent methods of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (whom
class participants studied in conjunction with Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day and Black History Month).


10. (C) The Global English Program is also having a positive
multiplier effect within the various ethnic communities: to
the extent possible, program participants disseminate
information learned in the Global English program through
their respective informal ethnic networks. While the extent
of these networks is limited, and the current oppressive
political climate further discourages political discussion,
the Global English program has helped inspire its
participants to seek out these channels to promote political
awareness among their fellow ethnics, particularly among the
youth.


11. (U) Action Request: While actual program implementation
has been quite successful, post still awaits final resolution
on ESF funding issues for the program. The project leader is
owed remuneration and has been working without pay since 15
March. Post appreciates all assistance from EAP and AID to
expedite the direct apportionment of the ESF funding for this
program.
Martinez