BURMA UNSCR: REGIME GLOATS, OPPOSITION REGROUPS

C O N F I D E N T I A L RANGOON 000061 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS; PACOM FOR FPA E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/17/2017 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL BM SUBJECT: BURMA UNSCR: REGIME GLOATS, OPPOSITION REGROUPS REF: USUN NEW YORK 24 Classified By: Poloff Dean Tidwell for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Reaction in Burma to China and Russia's veto of the UN Security Council Burma resolution has split as expected. The regime gloated and claimed the result demonstrated international repudiation of U.S. and British meddling in Burma's internal affairs. Pro-democracy groups in Burma were disappointed, but expressed gratitude to the United States for highlighting Burma's human rights violations. They acknowledged the need to do more to raise awareness among the Burmese people in support of pressure on the regime by the West. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) The January 14 issue of the regime mouthpiece, the New Light of Myanmar (NLM),highlighted the double veto of the UNSCR on Burma and contrasted Burma's two friends, China and Russia, with the United Stated and the U.K., whom it blamed for "slanderous and groundless" accusations against Burma and for interfering in Burma's internal affairs. ¶3. (C) On January 16, NLM took the unusual step of publishing the National League for Democracy's (NLD) January 11 balanced statement in support of the UNSCR, which cited the need for peaceful reconciliation and dialogue, alongside statements by various regime-influenced cease-fire groups condemning the UNSC discussion. Not surprisingly, the NLM is also publishing the usual condemnations from regime-linked organizations and ethnic groups. ¶4. (C) One of the leaders of the 88 Student Generation, Jimmy, told Emboffs after the vote that the pro-democracy opposition was not discouraged. He stressed that the failed UNSCR underscores the need for Burmese citizens to foster change from inside Burma. Labor activist Su Su Nway expressed frustration with China and Russia for their vetoes, but praised the support of the nine countries that supported the resolution. She highlighted the fact that Burma had become such a significant issue in the UN that some countries had to resort to a veto to oppose it. Thet Wai, NLD Chairman of Sanchaung Township in Rangoon said that the Burmese people cannot rely only on international pressure, but internal political forces must remain active throughout the country. ¶5. (C) Ethnic politicians told Emboffs that the veto has not dampened their resolve. They saw the event as just the opening round, with many more to follow. They stressed that they plan to promote unity more actively among the Burmese people to complement pressure the United States and the U.K. are exerting on the regime from outside. The ethnic members of the Committee Representing the People's Parliament (CRPP) plan to meet later this week to discuss the UN veto, including whether to issue an official statement. ¶6. (C) COMMENT: Despite the regime's claims that all Burmese people oppose the UNSCR, all of our contacts expressed gratitude for the efforts made by the United States and the U.K. to bring the deplorable conditions in Burma to the UNSC, and seem determined to press on for democratic reform. The resolution and the regime's reaction has shown them that the world is paying attention to events within the country. However Burmese pro-democracy activists also recognized that they cannot expect salvation from abroad, and will need to take the lead in bringing change to Burma. END COMMENT. VILLAROSA