BURMA: NLD FAITHFUL TURN OUT FOR ASSK'S 60TH

UNCLAS RANGOON 000739

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EAP/BCLTV; PACOM FOR FPA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL BM NLD ASSK
SUBJECT: BURMA: NLD FAITHFUL TURN OUT FOR ASSK'S 60TH
BIRTHDAY

REF: A. SECSTATE 114210

B. 04 RANGOON 779


1. Summary: An estimated 700 persons attended the function
sponsored by the National League for Democracy (NLD) to honor
the 60th birthday of Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK). Although there
was a heavy security presence on the street outside NLD
headquarters, the event passed peacefully. A few embassies,
the U.N., some NGOs, and several reporters were present.
Some NLD members who went to worship at Shwe Dagon Pagoda
were hassled. End Summary.


2. The NLD organized an event at its Rangoon headquarters on
June 19 in honor of the 60th birthday of pro-democracy icon
Aung San Suu Kyi, who herself remains incommunicado under
house arrest. The NLD was prepared for about 300
participants, but were delighted that around 700 supporters
turned up. The headquarters was packed with people and many
more listened to the program on the sidewalk outside. After
first releasing helium balloons and doves, there were several
speeches, including an address by NLD Chairman U Aung Shwe
and another by the Chair for the Committee for Women's
Affairs, Nang Khin Htwe Myint, NLD MP-elect from Pa-an, Karen
State (Note: In 1999 the NLD declared ASSK's birthday as
Burma Women's Day. In response, that same year the SPDC
established a counter Myanmar Women's Day to be held on July
3, apparently unaware that July 3 is also ASSK's birthday
according to the Burmese calendar. End Note.)


3. GOB security was very visible with policemen standing in
the street, roving police jeeps patrolling the approach
roads, and a battery of photographers with video and still
cameras recording the images of party members and dignitaries
alike.


4. The U.S. Embassy was represented by the poloff and spouse,
who delivered an envelope containing statements by President
Bush, a letter to ASSK from Sec. Rice (ref A),the State
Department's press statement, and other media releases on the
occasion of ASSK's birthday, as well as a basket bouquet 60
yellow roses. (Note: Yellow, or more specifically saffron,
is the NLD's official color and the color that ASSK
frequently wears. End Note.) All four EU countries with
embassies in Rangoon (France, Germany, Italy and the U.K.)
were represented, and in the absence of the U.N. Resident
Coordinator, the FAO representative, a Chinese national, was
on hand to represent the U.N. A few NGO representatives were
also present. Media stringers (Burmese) were present with
cameras and tape recorders clearly visible.


5. Other activities during the day included a religious
service held by the so called "veteran politician group"
whose 89-year-old leader, Thakin Thein Pe, shares the same
birthday as ASSK. Some NLD members reportedly went to Shwe
Dagon Pagoda wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the words
"Freedom from Fear," the title of one of ASSK's books. They
were asked by the pagoda authorities to change before they
were allowed to proceed to the main platform. Some tried to
give donations in the name of ASSK, but were told they could
not do so. (Note: The names of donors are usually broadcast
by loudspeaker to the general public, so donations given in
ASSK's name would be clearly heard by all the worshipers.)


6. Comment: Indications are that the public was generally
aware that June 19 was ASSK's 60th birthday. Beefed up
security near ASSK's house and other strategic areas served
as a timely reminder. However, aside from the political
gatherings mentioned, people quietly went about their daily
lives and did not appear to engage in activities that might
raise the suspicion of the authorities. End Comment.
McMullen