RUSSIA REMAINS OPPOSED TO SECURITY COUNCIL ACTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L MOSCOW 010839 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/26/2016 TAGS: PREL PHUM UNSC BM RS SUBJECT: RUSSIA REMAINS OPPOSED TO SECURITY COUNCIL ACTION ON BURMA REF: STATE 155034 Classified By: Political M/C Alice G. Wells. Reasons: 1.4(B/D). ¶1. (C) We shared reftel points September 25 with Vladimir Safronkov, Chief of the UN Political Affairs Section in the MFA's IO Department, asking that Russia work with other Security Council members to form a consensus on the need for the Burmese regime to undertake democratic reforms. Safronkov stressed that Moscow does not consider the UN Security Council to be an appropriate place to discuss democratization in Burma. In Russia's view, the situation does not pose a threat to international peace and security. ¶2. (C) Safronkov said that Russia supported U/SYG Gambari's discussions with the Burmese regime, but would not favor a resolution on Burma. At the least, the Security Council should wait on the outcome of the next round of discussions before weighing whether any next steps were appropriate. If Gambari needed further credibility, Safronkov suggested, then he should meet with the President of the Security Council and interested members before engaging again with the Burmese leadership. BURNS