Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07MANILA3647
2007-11-14 08:03:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Manila
Cable title:  

AMBASSADOR ENGAGES FOREIGN SECRETARY ON BURMA AND

Tags:  PGOV PHUM PREL RP 
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VZCZCXRO5525
OO RUEHCHI RUEHCN RUEHDT RUEHHM
DE RUEHML #3647 3180803
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 140803Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8859
INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS IMMEDIATE
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0236
RHHMUNA/CDRUSPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 003647 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EAP/MLS AARON COPE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/13/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL RP
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR ENGAGES FOREIGN SECRETARY ON BURMA AND
ASEAN SUMMIT

REF: A. STATE 148530


B. USUN NEW YORK 986

C. USUN NEW YORK 970

D. MANILA 3565

E. MANILA 3510

F. MANILA 3449 AND PREVIOUS

Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 003647

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EAP/MLS AARON COPE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/13/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL RP
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR ENGAGES FOREIGN SECRETARY ON BURMA AND
ASEAN SUMMIT

REF: A. STATE 148530


B. USUN NEW YORK 986

C. USUN NEW YORK 970

D. MANILA 3565

E. MANILA 3510

F. MANILA 3449 AND PREVIOUS

Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) SUMMARY: In a frank and open discussion November 11
with the Ambassador, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto
Romulo stressed his government's continued strong commitment
to press for democratic change in Burma, but said it is
difficult to assess whether recent actions on the part of the
Burmese junta signify real change in the regime's behavior,
or are merely a ploy intended to divert criticism from the
international community. Romulo looks to the upcoming ASEAN
Summit in Singapore to clarify both the junta's real
intentions, as well as the mood of ASEAN members with regard
to taking stronger measures to pressure Burma to move toward
democratization. The Ambassador continues to press publicly
for democratization in Burma, while Philippine statements on
Burma remain robust and closely parallel U.S. views. END
SUMMARY.


2. (SBU) In public remarks commemorating Veterans Day at the
American Cemetery November 11, the Ambassador underscored the
importance of maintaining pressure on the Burmese regime to
open a real dialogue with Burma's opposition and take
concrete moves toward democratization. She also praised the
Philippines' role in pressing for democratic change in Burma.



3. (C) In a private conversation with the Ambassador
following the ceremony, where he acted as guest speaker and
gave a moving tribute to a century of U.S.-Philippine
partnership (septel),Romulo spoke of the Burmese regime's
recent moves to allow detained National League for Democracy
leader Aung San Suu Kyi to meet with members of her party and
UN Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari. The Foreign Secretary
cautioned against concluding that it denoted any genuine
change in the junta's policies, recalling the regime's long
history of manipulating public perceptions to defuse outrage
at its actions.


4. (C) Noting that he will depart next week for the November
18-22 ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Singapore, the
Foreign Secretary stated that although some ASEAN members had
discussed not signing the organization's new charter in
protest of Burma's crackdown on dissidents, Burma's presence
at the Singapore meetings and ASEAN's consensus-based
function likely precluded any dramatic measures of protest
against the junta's continued abuses. Although Romulo
perceives ASEAN will not return to business as usual with
Burma, but instead maintain pressure on the regime, he
advised that such commitment is not uniform. Romulo said
that "Indonesia is with us," but felt that only after ASEAN
members convene in Singapore will a clearer picture emerge of
Burma's true intentions, the views of ASEAN nations, and
possible actions that ASEAN could take.


5. (SBU) The Philippine government has continued to take a
strong public stance on Burma. In a November 6 statement
before the UNSC during a debate on the role of regional and
sub-regional organizations in the maintenance of
international peace and security (reftel B),Secretary Romulo
reiterated support for UN Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari, and
called for national reconciliation and transition to
democracy in Burma. Per reftel C, while in New York, Romulo
discussed ASEAN's engagement on Burma with USUN Ambassador
Khalilzad. Romulo mentioned to Ambassador that he very much
appreciated the chance to share thoughts with Ambassador
Khalilzad.
KENNEY