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
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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
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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

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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
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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

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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

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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