POSSIBLE CAMBODIAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION ON

UNCLAS PHNOM PENH 000642 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS; GENEVA FOR RMA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM CB SUBJECT: POSSIBLE CAMBODIAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION ON BURMA ¶1. (SBU) Summary. Opposition parliamentarian Son Chhay, soon to be designated as the Chairman of the National Assembly's Commission on Foreign Affairs, is prepared to promote a resolution on Burma in the National Assembly. Such a resolution would be in keeping with -- but a little more forward leaning than -- resolutions passed by legislative bodies in other ASEAN countries. He has requested USG assistance in holding an interparliamentary conference on Burma this year that would also include China and India. End Summary. Possible National Assembly Resolution on Burma -------------- - ¶2. (SBU) During an April 5 meeting with Sam Rainsy Party parliamentarian Son Chhay, the SRP National Assembly Whip confirmed that he would be named the new Chair of the National Assembly's Commission on Foreign Affairs (and international cooperation, information and media),replacing FUNCINPEC's Princess Vacheara (who reportedly has departed the country for Beijing). Fellow SRP MP Yim Sovann will take over the NA commission on defense, home affairs, and anti-corruption. Approval by the National Assembly is expected to take place by the end of the week, according to the media. Son Chhay has a longstanding interest in democracy in Burma, as he has participated in ASEAN parliamentary delegation visits to Burma, and he recently had published a letter to the editor in "The Cambodia Daily" regarding his recent trip to Burma. ¶3. (SBU) Pol/Econ Chief requested that Son Chhay consider proposing a resolution on Burma to the National Assembly, both as a member of the ASEAN interparliamentary body but also as the incoming Chair of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the National Assembly. Son Chhay said that he already has considered the idea and believes it possible, despite Cambodia's National Assembly not having a history of such action. He noted that in addition to Cambodia, legislative representatives from five other ASEAN countries (Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore) participate in the interparliamentary group that has visited Burma. Of the six countries, the legislatures of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia have passed resolutions on Burma, so there is no reason Cambodia could not do so. He urged the Embassy to discuss the prospect with the other political parties to pave the way for the success of a resolution, and he welcomed U.S input on the content of a resolution. ¶4. (SBU) Son Chhay added that other countries comprising the ASEAN interparliamentary grouping on Burma have held conferences on the subject; Cambodia has not yet sponsored a similar gathering. Son Chhay would like Cambodia to host a conference this year -- preferably in July; he requested USG financial assistance in support of such a conference. In addition to inviting legislative representatives from all ASEAN countries, Son Chhay envisions including representatives from China, India, and the Burmese government in exile in Thailand. Getting the Chinese to do more on Burma, noted Son Chhay, would be key to progress on democracy. He believes that ASEAN has been ineffective and is unlikely to make progress with Burma's military junta in the near term; China could be helpful if the Chinese decided to intervene with Rangoon. Comment -------------- ¶5. (SBU) We were noncommittal with Son Chhay on prospects for USG funding for his proposed conference, but urge Washington consideration of the request. July may be unrealistically too soon, given our experience with Cambodian planning capabilities. We believe we would be able to convince the PM to open the conference and deliver a tough message on Burma. We plan to draft a resolution for Son Chhay's consideration, and will email proposed text to Washington for comment and input. End Comment. Mussomeli