MALAYSIA AGREES WITH CONTENT OF DRAFT BURMA

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUALA LUMPUR 002296 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/15/2016 TAGS: PREL PHUM UNSC XC BM MY SUBJECT: MALAYSIA AGREES WITH CONTENT OF DRAFT BURMA RESOLUTION, HESITANT TO TAKE A STAND WITHOUT ASEAN REF: STATE 197812 Classified By: Ambassador Christopher J. LaFleur for reasons 1.4 (b and d). ¶1. (C) The Ambassador raised the draft UNSC resolution on Burma with Malaysian Foreign Ministry Secretary General Rastam Mohamad Isa on December 15, following our delivery of reftel points and the draft UNSCR to several Ministry offices on December 12. The Ambassador emphasized that while Malaysia might not have a direct role in the Security Council's deliberations, we hoped for support from key countries in ASEAN such as Malaysia. Rastam deferred comment on the resolution until, he said, he had a chance to study it in more detail. ¶2. (C) Polchief also spoke with MFA Principal Assistant Secretary for Multilateral Political Affairs, Bala Chandran SIPDIS Tharman, on December 15. Polchief noted Malaysia's efforts to date within ASEAN aimed at pushing for change in Burma and the importance of Malaysia's position. Bala stated that Malaysia's views on steps needed in Burma were in large part reflected in the draft resolution and closely in line with U.S. perspectives. If the UNSC passes the resolution, Malaysia "would not be a hindrance in any way" and would like Burma to take the actions called for in the text. Bala, however, did not know if Malaysia would be ready to lobby for passage or take a public stand in favor of the resolution. Malaysia's decision would be a matter of tactics and, he implied, should reflect ASEAN consensus. The postponement of the ASEAN summit in Cebu regrettably had taken away an opportunity for members to consult on Burma and at this point Malaysia was not clear on the positions of other ASEAN states. Polchief encouraged Malaysia to consult with its neighbors while signaling privately its support for the resolution. LAFLEUR