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