PHILIPPINES: DEMARCHE URGING ASEAN LEADERSHIP ON

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 003393

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STATE FOR EAP/MLS AARON COPE
STATE FOR EAP/MTS MICHAEL TAYLOR

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/10/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM RP BM
SUBJECT: PHILIPPINES: DEMARCHE URGING ASEAN LEADERSHIP ON
BURMA

REF: A. STATE 142628


B. MANILA 3335 AND PREVIOUS

Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Paul W. Jones, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) SUMMARY: Foreign Secretary Romulo enthusiastically
endorsed our points on increased ASEAN leadership on Burma --
including the concept of an ASEAN emissary -- in a
conversation with Charge October 11 (reftel A). Ambassador
will raise the idea of former Philippine President Ramos as a
possible ASEAN special envoy for Burma with President Arroyo
early next week. The Foreign Secretary emphasized the
importance of China's position on Burma, and stated that
while Singapore's stance has been satisfactory so far, the
importance of the Burma issue must be kept at the forefront
of their attention. Romulo said President Arroyo had raised
Burma with India's President and Prime Minister, while Romulo
had raised it with the Foreign Minister during their visit to
India on October 4-6. "The more pressure the better," Romulo
said. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) Foreign Secretary Romulo outlined that on President
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's recent trip to India, she had
raised the subject of Burma with the Indian President and
Prime Minister, urging greater Indian engagement. Foreign
Secretary Romulo struck a similar theme with his Indian

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counterpart. Arroyo and Romulo stressed the need for the
immediate release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and
the involvement of the NLD party in the process of
democratization. The Indians expressed general agreement,
but stopped short of endorsing such demands on the Burmese
junta, Romulo said.


3. (C) After the Charge assured him that the concept of a
special high-level ASEAN emissary had UN Special Envoy
Gambari's support, Romulo opined that the idea made sense and
might help. He averred that "the more pressure, the better,"
and suggested that the EU might likewise identify a special
Burma envoy, while former Nobel laureates might helpfully
sign another statement. Romulo indicated that Undersecretary
for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manao will travel to the new
Burmese capital of Naypyitaw for an ASEAN senior officials
meeting late next week, affording an additional opportunity
for dialogue on Burma. We will meet Manao before his
departure to press our points.


4. (C) Romulo underscored that increased Chinese involvement
was key to greater progress toward democratization in Burma;
Charge responded that ASEAN could help significantly with
China and the Burmese regime. Romulo agreed, and expressed
his hope that China or Russia would not block any upcoming
action by the UNSC.


5. (C) Asked about Singapore's leadership within ASEAN,
Romulo related that Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo
had sought Romulo's support for ASEAN's strong statement on
Burma in New York. Romulo assessed that while Singapore's
support had been strong so far, there was a need to "keep
working on them" from now until ASEAN meetings in November.


6. (C) Charge and Foreign Secretary agreed to remain in
close communication regarding further actions on Burma.
Regarding reftel action for Manila relating to former
Philippine President Ramos as a possible candidate for ASEAN
emissary on Burma, Ambassador will raise the issue directly
with President Arroyo early next week.
JONES