AMBASSADOR WOLFF'S MEETING WITH UN A/SYG ANGELA

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 002044 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL ASEAN UNSC BM SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR WOLFF'S MEETING WITH UN A/SYG ANGELA KANE REGARDING U/SYG GAMBARI'S VISIT TO BURMA ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: On October 22nd, Ambassador Wolff met with UN A/SYG Angela Kane to discuss U/SYG Gambari's scheduled visit to Burma on November 9th through 12th. Viewing his first visit as a success, the UN believes the second trip is an important confidence building dialogue. Gambari will not set specific parameters with the regime for his next visit, and A/SYG Kane admitted that there has been little or no change in Myanmar since Gambari's visit. However, she noted that it is very clear to the Burmese that "changes are expected". Ambassador Wolff strongly urged the UN to set clear parameters for Gambari's visit, emphasized that it is essential for the regime to receive a firm and clear message from the UN regarding what changes the international community wants. He reviewed in detail the critical and longstanding benchmarks for progress laid out in reftel (STATE 176990). For Gambari's visit to be viewed as a success, the U.S. is expecting tangible results. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) A/SYG Kane advised that although Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK) was not released and, indeed most disappointingly her detention was extended shortly after, the UN thinks U/SYG Gambari's previous visit to Burma should be viewed as a success. It was at least the start of a process and testing period for the regime. The SYG thinks that Gambari's level of access to all parties was excellent, and that his visit was an important first step in establishing trust and a dialogue to build confidence with the junta. Kane noted that the Burmese are interested in a return visit for Gambari, and have assured Gambari that he will be afforded a high level access. Although Gambari does not intend to establish specific parameters or conditions for the trip, the Burmese "know they must give something" for a dialogue to continue any further. Kane emphasized that Gambari wouldn't be in the process of engaging with the junta if there were doubts of any resultant progress. ¶3. (U) Although she understands the high level political interest in the U.S. in ASSK, Kane did not, however, believe it is helpful to only focus too exclusively on the release of ASSK, and thinks if Gambari did, the regime would withdraw its cooperation completely. She did admit, however, that if Gambari did not have at least the same access to ASSK this time, his trip would be regarded as a failure. Ambassador Wolff made the point that it was not just in the U.S. Administration that ASSK was regarded as the principal symbol of reform in Burma. Kane believed it is extremely important that Gambari be viewed as an emissary of the SYG's good offices mandate, and not as an envoy of the Security Council. A/SYG Kane confirmed that UN Resident Coordinator Charles Petrie is independently arranging the details of Gambari's schedule and meetings, and will keep USUN apprised of the situation as it develops. Kane emphasized that Gambari would be delivering a strong and clear message about reform and the need for genuine political dialogue both in private meetings and public settings. ¶4. (U) Ambassador Wolf noted that while Gambari was able to meet with all relevant parties during his previous visit, after his return the junta extended the detention of ASSK, there was no movement in the sham reconciliation process, and little or no change in the treatment of minorities or the military repression of ethnic groups. From the U.S. point of view, in fact, the situation in Burma if anything had worsened and Gambari needed to avoid giving the impression that progress was being made on the ground. Ambassador Wolff urged Gambari to set clear parameters for his next visit, and emphasized that it is essential for the regime to receive a firm and clear message from the UN regarding what changes the international community wants. Specifically, Gambari should emphasize the release of ASSK and other political prisoners, the need for an all-inclusive constitution-writing process, a halt in the military offensives in the Kayin State, and safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors. Kane emphasized that all of these demands were part of Gambari's brief and the UN and U.S. prescriptions for reform in Burma almost completely coincided. In answer to a question, she confirmed that Gambari did not plan in any way to endorse the National Convention, which the UN also viewed as fatally flawed in its current form. ¶5. (U) Ambassador Wolff agreed that it was critical for Gambari to meet with ASSK, ethnic groups, and opposition leaders- he must have as much or better access to these reform actors. He reiterated that for Gambari's visit to be viewed as a success, the Burmese must understand improvements in the country have to be ensured. If Gambari comes back and there are no advances in the human rights situation or national reconciliation, it will be difficult for the U.S. to see the merits of this process or to sustain its support. We would instead expect the Council to make an appropriate response. The U.S. is expecting tangible results, and Gambari should reconsider his trip if none are expected. Kane confirmed that Gambari would not proceed absent prospects for concrete progress. BOLTON