Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06PHNOMPENH665
2006-04-10 07:58:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Phnom Penh
Cable title:  

CAMBODIAN THOUGHTS ON UPCOMING ASEAN FM MEETING

Tags:  PHUM PREL CB 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO7505
OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM RUEHNH
DE RUEHPF #0665 1000758
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 100758Z APR 06
FM AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6429
INFO RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM PRIORITY
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 1385
C O N F I D E N T I A L PHNOM PENH 000665 

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SIPDIS

STATE FOR EAP/MLS; GENEVA FOR RMA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/09/2016
TAGS: PHUM PREL CB
SUBJECT: CAMBODIAN THOUGHTS ON UPCOMING ASEAN FM MEETING

REF: PHNOM PENH 643

Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief Margaret McKean; Reason 1.4 (b) and (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L PHNOM PENH 000665

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EAP/MLS; GENEVA FOR RMA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/09/2016
TAGS: PHUM PREL CB
SUBJECT: CAMBODIAN THOUGHTS ON UPCOMING ASEAN FM MEETING

REF: PHNOM PENH 643

Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief Margaret McKean; Reason 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary. According to MFA Secretary of State for
ASEAN affairs Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN has several options for
moving foward on Burma: a visit to Burma by the Eminent
Persons Group (EPG),a visit by the ASEAN Troika, or an
invitation from the Philippines President to Than Shwe to
attend the ASEAN Leaders Summit at the year's end (with the
proviso that only Than Shwe would be welcome). Kao Kim Hourn
suggested that China and India could play a useful role in
influencing Burma; he also thought that ASEAN countries will
increasingly distance themselves from Burma and stop
defending the military government. End summary.

FM Hamid's Visit "a Disaster"
--------------


2. (C) On April 9, Pol/Econ Chief met with MFA Secretary of
State for ASEAN Affairs Kao Kim Hourn to discuss FM Hamid's
visit and upcoming ASEAN FM meeting in Bali. Kao Kim Hourn
characterized Hamid's visit as a "disaster," saying his
impression reflected feedback from Malaysia and other ASEAN
countries. He added that FM Hamid will provide a report to
the ASEAN Foreign Ministers during the upcoming retreat in
Bali, which Kao Kim Hourn will attend with Cambodian Foreign
Minister Hor Namhong. (Note: Reftel described FM Hor
Namhong's reaction to FM Hamid's visit, and the Cambodian
official's view that the visit was a failure. End Note.)


3. (C) Kao Kim Hourn said ASEAN's options are limited.
Pol/Econ Chief raised the possibility of temporary suspension
of Burma's membership in ASEAN, and asked if that would make
a difference to the generals in Rangoon. Kao Kim Hourn
responded that suspending their membership would be a huge
blow as the regime gains legitimacy from being a member of
ASEAN. However, there does not exist a mechanism for
suspension, opined the MFA official, as ASEAN does not yet
have a charter. He added that a 10-member Eminent Persons
Group (EPG) representing the ten member countries is working
on a draft charter. Continuing on that theme, Kao Kim Hourn
proposed that the EPG could factor references to respect for
democracy and human rights into the charter, thereby calling
into question Burma's right to membership. He also offered
that the EPG could schedule their next meeting in Rangoon.
Another possibility would be for the ASEAN Troika to visit
Rangoon. Finally, Kao Kim Hourn suggested that the
Philippines invite Than Shwe (and only Than Shwe) to the
Leader's Summit later in the year, and specify that only he
would be welcome to represent Burma, as opposed to sending
one of the political leaders. That way, Burma's top general
would hear first hand from other ASEAN leaders how
disappointed and frustrated the regional body has become over
Burma's intransigence.


4. (C) The MFA official said another tack would be to press
India and China to play a more influential and positive role
in Burma, as both countries have interests in the country and
are ASEAN Dialogue Partners with Burma. When asked if ASEAN
had formally or informally approached either country, Kao Kim
Hourn responded in the negative. Some ASEAN member states
(NFI) have indicated that ASEAN could not make such an
approach without Burma's knowledge, as to go behind their
back would be unacceptable according to ASEAN principles.


5. (C) Irrespective of how ASEAN proceeds on the issue of
Burma, Kao Kim Hourn thought it likely that ASEAN would
increasingly distance itself from Burma. If other
international bodies wish to criticize the regime, ASEAN
member states will likely stand to the sidelines and no
longer defend the regime.

Comment
--------------


6. (C) Cambodia is not pleased with Burma but unwilling, it
appears, to take the lead in suggesting that Burma's
membership be pulled. Kao Kim Hourn mentioned that the ASEAN
Secretary General would be visiting Cambodia towards the

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month's end to participate in another academic meeting
sponsored by the University of Cambodia, and the Embassy
might have the opportunity for further discussions on Burma
at that time. End Comment.
Mussomeli