BURMESE FM WELCOMES GAMBARI IN MID-NOVEMBER; READY

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 006075 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS/AARON COPE, EAP/CM E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/17/2027 TAGS: PREL PHUM CH BM SUBJECT: BURMESE FM WELCOMES GAMBARI IN MID-NOVEMBER; READY FOR SECOND ROUND OF TALKS WITH USG REF: BEIJING 5918 BEIJING 00006075 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson, Reasons 1.4 (b/d). ¶1. (C) Summary: MFA Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam Division Deputy Director Liang Jianjun told us September 17 that during a September 13-14 visit to China, FM Nyan Win explained to PRC State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and FM Yang Jiechi the Burmese government's perspective on the recent turmoil in Burma and the next steps on the "road to democracy." FM Nyan Win confirmed that the Burmese government has invited UN Special Envoy Gambari for a one-week visit in mid-November when he will be able to meet with "all main political parties." Lastly, FM Nyan Win conveyed Burmese government interest in a second round of talks with the United States in November. End Summary. Burmese Government on current turmoil -------------- ¶2. (C) MFA Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam Division Deputy Director Liang Jianjun on September 17 told us that the Burmese government requested the last-minute visit of FM Nyan Win in order to explain "the truth" about current unrest in Burma. During his meetings with State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and FM Yang Jiechi, FM Nyan Win, i his role as "special envoy for the SPDC Chaiman, delivered a letter from Senior General Than Shwe to President Hu Jintao, describing the "active measures" to quell the recent turmoil and developments in the "roadmap to democracy." ¶3. (C) The Burmese FM told his Chinese interlocutors that media accusations of mistreatment and torture of prisoners are inaccurate, and that the government's measures are intended to maintain stability, enhance national solidarity and develop the economy. FM Nyan Win added that the Burmese government will continue to push forward the national political process in "steady steps." Drafting Committee to be appointed "very soon" -------------- - ¶4. (C) According to Deputy Director Liang, FM Nyan Win stated that with the successful conclusion of the National Convention and agreement on guiding principles for drafting a constitution, the Burmese government would undertake "very soon" to set up a constitutional drafting committee. Liang said the Burmese FM provided no details as to the make-up of the committee. Gambari welcome in November -------------- ¶5. (C) FM Nyan Win insisted that the Burmese government intends to coordinate and communicate closely with the international community, including the United Nations. In that regard, he confirmed that the Burmese government has already invited UN Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari for a one-week visit during the second week of November. The Burmese government will arrange meetings for Gambari with the government and "all main political parties." Deputy Director Liang commented that although no specific names were mentioned, the planned duration of the visit implied that Burmese government intended to allow Gambari sufficient access to pro-democracy groups. Reminded that the Chinese had originally hoped for two visits for Gambari (reftel), Liang added that the Burmese may try to find dates in October for an earlier visit. ¶6. (C) Reciting familiar language, Liang said the Chinese side expressed its hope that Burma could "maintain stability and resolve problems appropriately." The Chinese further expressed to FM Nyan Win the need to "fully enhance" national reconciliation and push forward with a democratic process "that matches the situation in Burma." The Chinese also encouraged the Burmese government to show more flexibility in "taking concrete measures to cooperate and communicate with the international community." Liang added that given the Burmese government's willingness to advance the political reconciliation process and communicate with the international community, the Chinese government believes the international community should "provide constructive assistance" to ensure Burma develops in a positive direction. Burma willing for another round of talks with USG -------------- -------------- ¶7. (C) FM Nyan Win, expressing his government's wish to BEIJING 00006075 002.2 OF 002 improve relations with the United States, said that the Burmese government is prepared for a second meeting with the United States "at any moment" in November. Deputy Director Liang said the Chinese hope that the United States and Burma will continue to meet, thereby "enhancing mutual understanding and trust." He added that China stands ready to assist in any future meeting. Deputy Director Liang said that FM Nyan Win made no reference to the measures suggested by the United States in the U.S.-Burma June talks that would enhance prospects for continued dialogue. Randt