AMBASSADOR WOLFF'S MEETING WITH UN U/SYG GAMBARI

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 USUN NEW YORK 002185 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL ASEAN UNSC BM SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR WOLFF'S MEETING WITH UN U/SYG GAMBARI REGARDING HIS NOVEMBER 10-12 VISIT TO BURMA ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: Ambassador Wolff met with UN U/SYG Gambari to discuss the latter's visit to Burma November 10-12th. Viewing his first trip earlier this year as an initial confidence building visit, Gambari believes his second visit was an important next step, as he was able to meet again with Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK) and the NLD, deliver "strong messages" to the regime, and engage at length in serious discussions concerning the release of political prisoners, the need for an inclusive political process, guidelines for humanitarian access, the cessation of hostilities in the Karen state, forced labor issues, and millennium development goals. Ambassador Wolff reiterated that the success of Gambari's efforts would be measured by results, not access. He urged that Gambari be frank about the unresponsive nature of the Burmese regime in his brief to the Council in order to pave the way for a resolution on the matter. Gambari conceded there has been no progress since his first visit, and said he is not opposed to a Security Council resolution, depending upon the content. Gambari wants to preserve the role of the SYG's good offices mission as a process that delivers results. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) U/SYG Gambari stated that his visit accomplished three important objectives. First, Gambari had access to the senior Burmese leadership, ASSK, and other representatives of the NLD. Secondly, he conveyed "strong messages" concerning the release of political prisoners, the need for an inclusive political process, guidelines for humanitarian access, a cessation of hostilities in the Karen state, compliance with ILO requests concerning forced labor, and millennium development goals. Third, Gambari wanted to preserve the role of the SYG's good offices mandate. ¶3. (U) Gambari viewed his first visit as a courtesy call and confidence building initiative, and believed the second visit was one of serious engagement with the Burmese regime. Gambari stated that he provided the Burmese with a letter from the SYG detailing his concerns, and engaged in long discussions with the Burmese senior leadership. The Burmese told Gambari they were willing to release ASSK provided she would write a letter promising not to disrupt the National Convention process and act within the law. Gambari conveyed this message to ASSK, who said she would not reject outright writing a letter, but needed to first consult with her party. Gambari said he emphasized to the junta that the Security Council was watching, and that they needed to take concrete steps toward results. ¶4. (U) Ambassador Wolff conveyed Washington's interest in the details about his visit, but expressed the U.S. belief that the true measure of a successful visit is in achieving clear results. Noting the extension of ASSK's detention after his first visit, Ambassador Wolff emphasized the situation in Burma has not improved, but deteriorated. He also raised U.S. concerns that the Burmese were using the good offices mandate to delay reform measures, and that the regime does not intend to open the political process to all parties. Ambassador Wolff stated that the U.S would be moving forward on an appropriate Security Council resolution. He reiterated the issue is a U.S priority, and the lack of progress in Burma will be raised during all high-level meetings with the Chinese. Ambassador Wolff emphasized the extreme importance of Gambari giving the Council a frank and realistic assessment of the regimes failure to respond to requests for reform in order to pave the way toward a resolution. ¶5. (U) Gambari conceded there has been no progress since his first visit, but thinks there is a serious internal debate between hard-liners and reformers within the Burmese regime. Gambari advised he is not opposed to a Security Council resolution, depending upon the content. He believes a strong message from a united Council would be helpful in supporting the good offices role, and noted that both the regime and ASSK both hope the good offices visit will continue. Gambari said these visits should be more regular, and feels every three months would be valuable. Ambassador Wolff cautioned that the Burmese regime was taking advantage of the good USUN NEW Y 00002185 002 OF 002 offices mandate to avoid concrete steps. Without clear improvement in the situation in Burma, further visits should be avoided for the foreseeable future. BOLTON