Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06PHNOMPENH642
2006-04-05 11:45:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Phnom Penh
Cable title:  

POSSIBLE CAMBODIAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION ON

Tags:  PGOV PHUM CB 
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VZCZCXRO2871
OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM RUEHNH
DE RUEHPF #0642 0951145
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 051145Z APR 06
FM AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6400
INFO RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM PRIORITY
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 1374
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


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