SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING ON BURMA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 USUN NEW YORK 001028 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC BM PHUM SUBJECT: SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING ON BURMA Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) In a public meeting of the Security Council November 13, Special Adviser Ibrahim Gambari discussed his November 3-8 trip to Burma. He listed positive developments in Burma leading up to his visit, including the withdrawal of visible military presence, the release of some detainees, and the appointment of a liaison officer to Aung Sun Suu Kyi (ASSK). He also highlighted further developments resulting from his recent visit, most importantly ASSK's public statement, her meeting with NLD leaders, and an open invitation for Gambari to return to Burma as needed. He recounted regional views, which supported Gambari and identified the good offices as the "central track" for international engagement, adding that all countries in the region considered sanctions counter-productive. He urged the international community to consider the concerns of the Burmese government and listen to the views of ASSK, confirming that a process for dialogue was in motion. ¶2. (SBU) All Security Council delegations supported Gambari and echoed his reference to progress made during his visit, although Amb Khalilzad warned against a "process for process' sake." The Burmese PermRep (PR) urged the Council to refrain from any action, noting the significant progress in the country. As ASEAN was unable to reach consensus on a statement, the Singaporean PR, in his national statement, cautioned the international community against precipitate moves, unreasonable timelines, and unrealistic expectations. The Indonesian PR noted that ASEAN will sign its charter, which included a portion on human rights and democracy, at the upcoming ASEAN Summit, and that ASEAN expected each country to honor the charter. Sanctions, Chinese PR Wang claimed, would further complicate and undermine the dialogue and reconstruction process. He reiterated the Chinese view that the issue does not belong in the Security Council but that China - in its own way - stood ready to work with other members on the issue. In closed consultations following the public meeting, China refused to support adoption of a Presidential Statement, citing its "principled stand" that the issue should not be handled by the Security Council. Amb Wolff argued forcefully that the Council must make clear its views on the latest developments in order to send the right signal to Burma, the region, and the international community. On November 14, the Council agreed to issue a press statement, welcoming positive developments but deploring ongoing detentions and recent arrests. (Text in para 13). Gambari Speaks to the Security Council -------------- --- ¶3. (SBU) Special Adviser for Myanmar Ibrahim Gambari reported that his November 3-8 trip to Burma focused on following-up and facilitating the recommendations made during his previous visit. Gambari listed positive developments since his September trip -- the withdrawal of all visible military presence, the release of over 2,700 detainees, and the appointment of Labor Minister Aung Kyi as a liaison -- and highlighted positive results of the recent visit, including Aung Sun Suu Kyi's (ASSK) public statement, which was conveyed through Gambari, and her meeting with the Central Executive Committee of the NLD. He said that the Burmese invited him back "again and again and again," assured Gambari that the government would release more detainees, that in principle the ICRC would have access to detainees, and that the junta agreed to "consider the possibility of establishing a broad-based poverty alleviation commission." While recounting those with whom he met, Gambari noted that nearly all of his meetings were h held in the military capital Naypyitaw. He conveyed Burmese concerns that Burma expected the international community to recognize any positive steps the regime took in cooperation with the UN and that "Security Council action and punitive measure adopted by Member States vis--vis Myanmar run contrary to the (Burmese) Government's expectations in this regard." ¶4. (SBU) Gambari reported that during consultations with leaders in the region, he found most countries broadly supportive of the good offices mission and willing to engage Burma on cooperating with the UN. He noted that all countries in the region identified the UN good offices as the "central track for the international community's approach" and that other efforts should support the good offices. (Comment: This emphasis is designed to discourage other envoys from detracting from his efforts. End Comment.) While recognizing the international community's role in assisting Burma to address its humanitarian and economic issues, Gambari stated that all countries in the region consider sanctions "counter-productive." He asked that the USUN NEW Y 00001028 002 OF 004 international community "carefully consider" Burmese concerns as well as the views of ASSK and other relevant parties, confirming that a process was in motion, which would hopefully lead to substantive dialogue within an agreed timeframe and concrete outcomes between the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) and ASSK. He cautioned that the dialogue would require flexibility on all sides, but that he was "convinced this is the only way forward." Before concluding, Gambari reiterated his view that the good offices mission was a process not an event, which required a comprehensive approach. He affirmed that the good offices must yield tangible results and requested that those who can help should be encouraged to contribute to resolving Burma's issues. ¶5. (SBU) Burma's PR Swe praised Gambari on his successful mission, especially in view of the "unwarranted pressures by some quarters to hasten his visit to Myanmar." He listed positive developments in the country since Gambari's first visit, including the return of peace and stability, complete lifting of the curfew, and as of November 7 the release of 2,836 of those detained in September's unrest leaving only 91 in custody. (Note: Burmese monks attending the open debate reacted loudly to this statement but were quickly hushed by UN guards.) He touted the 54-member committee selected to draft a new constitution as a notable accomplishment in addition to the appointment of Labor Minister Aung Kyi as a liaison officer. He added that ASSK, in the interest of the nation, was ready to cooperate with the government to make dialogue a success and to that end met with senior members of the NLD. After their meeting, he said, NLD Spokesman Nyan Win stated that ASSK believed "the Government was serious and really willing to work for national reconciliation." Considering the significant progress in Burma, he continued, some continue to express criticism and skepticism. He urged the council to refrain from taking any action, commenting that Burma was not a situation posing any threat to regional peace and security. "Council members who see things the way they are, we thank you," he concluded. Council Members and Interested Parties React -------------- -------------- ¶6. (SBU) As ASEAN could not reach consensus on a statement, Singapore PR Menon made a statement in his national capacity, hailing Gambari as "unique and irreplaceable" and noting that "to date, no one has done better than Mr. Gambari." PR Menon voiced concern for Burma's decision to end UNDP Resident Coordinator Petrie's assignment, called for the release of political prisoners, and "hoped the Myanmar government will release ASSK immediately and unconditionally." Singapore echoed Gambari's list of positive developments and focused on the role of Mr. Gambari and the good offices mission, requesting that international community "respect the views" of ASSK and support the good offices mission. PR Menon noted that there are no quick fixes and cautioned the international community against precipitate moves, unreasonable timelines, and unrealistic expectations. Mr. Gambari will attend the East Asia Summit, he added, which can only strengthen the good offices mission. ¶7. (SBU) Indonesian PR Natalegawa "appreciated" the acknowledgement of the role of ASEAN and recalled the September 27 ASEAN statement that called for national reconciliation in Burma. He noted that ASEAN will sign its charter, which included a portion on human rights and democracy, at the upcoming ASEAN Summit and that ASEAN expected each country to honor the charter. PR Natalegawa reiterated Indonesia's support for Mr. Gambari and the good offices mission and stated Indonesia's strong commitment to "attain the noble goal" in Burma both bilaterally and within ASEAN. ¶8. (SBU) Other Security Council delegations unanimously highlighted the positive aspects of the visit outlined in Gambari's report to the Council and many referenced the upcoming ASEAN Summit, looking to ASEAN to provide additional support to Gambari and his mandate. Chinese PR Wang stated that the political process was on the right track and mentioned "Rome was not built in one day." He listed three essential issues in Burma: improving the lives of the people (economic development); encouraging ethnic harmony; and expanding the political parties and the rule of law. PR Wang called on the international community to support ASEAN in playing a constructive role and requested that ASEAN continue to assist Burma "as a family member." Sanctions, Wang claimed, would further complicate and undermine the dialogue and reconstruction process. He reiterated the Chinese view that the issue does not belong in the Security Council but that China - in its own way - stood ready to work with other USUN NEW Y 00001028 003 OF 004 members on the issue. Russia agreed that outside threats would only hinder progress but called on Burmese leaders to take further steps, including addressing the terms of ASSK's house arrest. ¶9. (SBU) Ambassador Khalilzad stated that while the positive developments are welcome, they did not represent a fundamental shift in the regime. He called for dialogue to begin as early as possible without preconditions. There must be a stop to ongoing arrests and detentions, he continued, and an immediate released of all political detainees and prisoners, including ASSK. He stated that in order for there to be meaningful dialogue, ASSK must be free to consult broadly with her party and with ethnic minorities. Gambari must also maintain control of his itinerary while in Burma, he said, in order to carry out his mandate. Ambassador Khalilzad said that in order to retain the support of the international community, this engagement must gain momentum and show results, since "a process for process' sake will not be acceptable." ¶10. (SBU) European countries echoed U.S. sentiment, noting positive developments in Burma while highlighting outstanding issues, which had not been addressed by the regime. Each also commented positively on the appointment of EU Envoy Fassino. The UK PR Sawers said that while the small steps forward could be the beginning of a successful process, they could also "be a false dawn" and the Council should remain focused on the issue. Belgian PR Verbeke said that the international mobilization must continue and all eyes were on ASEAN as the Summit approaches. French PR Ripert noted that the international community must be ready to react positively to developments in Burma, proposing a "trust fund" for humanitarian and development projects. South Africa, Panama, Peru, Congo, Ghana, Qatar, each gave statements of support for Gambari and his good offices mission. Japan also asked to speak and expressed support for the UN role. Chinese Refuse PRST -------------- ¶11. (SBU) In closed consultations after the Security Council meeting, Chinese PR Wang was adamant that China would not support a Presidential Statement (PRST) on the situation, reverting to China's longstanding position that the Security Council is not the appropriate forum for the Burma. Other Council members, including the UK and France, bowed to Chinese pressure. Amb Wolff argued that a written statement making clear the unity of Council views,vice various press interpretations and 15 national statements, would ensure that Burma, the region, and the international community understood Council resolve. Gambari, when asked his view, helpfully stressed the need for Council unity and the need for support of good offices mission. Noting that the October 11 PRST had played a useful role in his most recent visit, Gambari said that he hoped to be going to Burma "again and again," quoting a Burmese official. While it may be appropriate in the future to reconsider the form of Council reaction after his trips, in his view the Council had not/not reached that point. ¶12. (SBU) Despite the debate over form, Council members expressed support for proposed elements previously circulated by Indonesia, the current President of the Council. At the conclusion of the November 13 meeting, Indonesian PR Natalegawa spoke to the press, drawing from those elements. Following additional U.S. diplomacy, the Council agreed to issue a press statement based on those elements. ¶13. (SBU) Text of the press statement. Security Council Press Statement on Myanmar The members of the Security Council welcome the follow-up mission of the Secretary-General's Special Advisor to Myanmar, Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, and reaffirm their support for the continued efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Adviser. They reaffirm the expectations of the Security Council as set out in its Presidential Statement of 11 October 2007. The members of the Security Council welcome the recent positive developments in Myanmar, including the release of some detainees, the contacts between Minister Aung Kyi as liaison officer and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and the decision to allow Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to meet with key members of her National League for Democracy Party. The members of the Security Council welcome the statement by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivered by Mr. Gambari on 8 November, including the expectation that a "meaningful and timebound USUN NEW Y 00001028 004 OF 004 dialogue" will start as soon as possible. In this context, they encourage all sides to create the conditions for such a dialogue, including by making use of the good offices role of the UN to facilitate this dialogue. The members of the Security Council deplore the fact that many prisoners are still in jail and new arrests have occurred. They express concern as regards the fate of protesters arrested during recent demonstrations that are still unaccounted for. They call on authorities to allow access for humanitarian assistance organizations to facilitate humanitarian assistance to persons in need throughout the country. In this context, they welcome the agreement to the visit of Special Envoy Pinheiro, and access to detainees for the International Committee of the Red Cross. The members of the Security Council stress the need for the Government of Myanmar to create conditions for dialogue and reconciliation by relaxing, as a first step, the conditions of detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and by pursuing the release of political prisoners and detainees. The members of the Security Council acknowledge the important role ASEAN countries continue to play in supporting a peaceful transition to democracy, and supporting the UN's good offices mission. They stresses the importance of the forthcoming ASEAN Summit. The members of the Security Council look forward to the earliest possible return of Mr. Gambari to Myanmar, as foreseen in his statement of 13 November. They reaffirm that Mr. Gambari's mission is a process and should bring tangible progress, and underline the need for the Government of Myanmar to cooperate fully with the UN. The members of the Security Council confirm their intention to keep developments in Myanmar under close review. End Text. Khalilzad