BURMA: THE REGIME FINDS ITS OWN "88 GENERATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 RANGOON 001785 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP AND IO; PACOM FOR FPA E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/07/2016 TAGS: PGOV PREL BM SUBJECT: BURMA: THE REGIME FINDS ITS OWN "88 GENERATION STUDENTS" REF: RANGOON 1436 Classified By: P/E Chief Leslie Hayden for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) (SBU) Summary: In a feeble attempt to confuse the public and manipulate international opinion against the pro-democracy 88 Generation Students group, the regime is sponsoring its own organization of "activists" named the "88 Generation Students and Youth Union of Myanmar (EGSY)." The pro-regime group released a statement on November 9 calling for opposition groups to support the government's seven-step "roadmap for democracy" and held a press conference on December 5, during which they called for lifting economic sanctions against Burma. The group plans to initiate their own signature campaign to support their call for lifting the sanctions. Burmese journalists speculate EGSY will collaborate with the regime's mass political organization, the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA),to organize demonstrations in front of western embassies. End summary. (SBU) In 2005, controversial former political prisoner and student activist Aye Lwin formed his own organization, the 88 Generation Students and Youth Union of Myanmar (ESGY),to confuse the Burmese public and undermine support for the pro-democracy 88 Generation Students (88GS) group led by Min Ko Naing. Aye Lwin,s organization tries to time its press releases and publicity stunts to coincide with 88GS activities and statements. Our contacts speculate the group does this deliberately to confuse both the Burmese public and the international community. (SBU) In a statement last August, EGSY condemned those who continue to support the 1990 election results; said Aung San Suu Kyi should not lead a dialogue with the military regime; criticized foreign country interference in Burma; and derided those who support a formal discussion of Burma in the UNSC. On November 9, the first day of Gambari's second visit to Burma, the group issued another statement asking the UN to urge opposition groups to cooperate with the regime's seven-step "roadmap to democracy." (C) On December 5, Aye Lwin held a press briefing in Yangon. Over 300 attended, but Embassy sources noted that at least thirty percent of those attending were USDA members. As usual at such events in Burma, correspondents from pro-regime media asked rehearsed questions. One source told us the Censorship Board had pre-cleared the press conference, allowing local media to publish transcripts from the event without seeking additional censor approval after the fact. During the briefing, Aye Lwin announced that EGSY planned to begin its own signature campaign in 2007 to raise support among factory workers, business people, and industry for lifting all economic sanctions against Burma. He did not disclose any specific details. Resident Reuters correspondent Aung Hla Htun and resident AP correspondent Aye Aye Win told emboffs they have heard the organization will also collaborate with USDA to organize "public" demonstrations in front of western embassies whose countries support economic sanctions against Burma. Aung Hla Htun also believes the government will pressure private businesses to support the new campaign. (SBU) Aye Lwin was one of the leaders of the 1988 student uprising. He formed a political party, The Students' Democratic Uprising Party, to contest the 1990 parliamentary elections, but did not win a single seat. He is a controversial figure inside Burma and has been accused by many of being an informer for military intelligence since the beginning of his participation in the 88 demonstrations. He is said to enjoy the spotlight and often speaks out against Aung San Suu Kyi and Min Ko Naing. Many of the 88GS group believe his latest project is an attempt to ingratiate himself further with the regime to gain additional power. (C) Comment: Unable to convince the detained 88GS leaders to endorse the National Convention (reftel),the regime is using another puppet organization to confuse the Burmese RANGOON 00001785 002 OF 002 people and confer legitimacy on their undemocratic constitution-drafting process. EGSY's finger-pointing at international sanctions as the cause of Burma's economic troubles is a poorly disguised effort to counter the 88GS' consistent message that the dismal state of Burma's economy is the result of the Generals' mismanagement and greed. No one is fooled. End comment. VILLAROSA