GAMBARI TO BRIEF SECURITY COUNCIL ON BURMA

C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 000725 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/05/2012 TAGS: PREL PHUM UNSC BM SUBJECT: GAMBARI TO BRIEF SECURITY COUNCIL ON BURMA REF: STATE 8499 Classified By: Ambassador Alejandro D. Wolff ¶1. (C) Summary: During a September 5 meeting of the Security Council to finalize the program of work for September, Amb Wolff successfully rebuffed a Chinese request to delete the program's "footnote" reference to Burma, and confirmed Council agreement to receive a briefing during the month from UN Secretary-General Ban's special adviser on Burma, Ibrahim Gambari. The briefing was later scheduled for September 20. Separately, Wolff met with Gambari to raise points in reftel and to press him to speak forcefully about the current situation in Burma. In a subsequent press briefing, Gambari highlighted recent "disturbing events" in Burma that he characterized as a "setback" and argued that in order for his Good Offices mission to succeed he needed the unified support of the international community. In his meeting with Amb Wolff, Gambari said Ban had instructed him to arrange his next trip to Burma as soon as possible. He also reported that the Russians and Chinese are engaging with the regime to press for approval of his trip. Gambari said he seeks two visits: the first to convey the views of the international community and the second to serve as a longer, working visit. Amb Wolff secured Gambari's commitment to meet Aung San Suu Kyi and other democracy activists. Gambari also confirmed he would travel to Washington prior to his trip. End Summary. ¶2. (C) During a meeting of the Security Council to consider the September program of work, Chinese PR Wang stated a preference for the deletion of the footnote referring to Myanmar, restating China's position that the issue of Myanmar is not a subject for the Security Council because it does not represent a threat to international peace and security. (Explanatory Note: Footnotes on the Council calendar are used to refer to issues likely to be addressed by the Council but which are as yet unscheduled. At our urging, French PR Ripert agreed to insert a footnote on Burma so there would be a reference to it in the document. End Note.) But Wang also expressed support for Gambari and his efforts. South Africa, Indonesia, and Qatar supported the Chinese position; South Africa and Indonesia even questioned the need for Gambari to speak to the Council, and intimated that a reference to Burma on the program of work would discourage the Burmese from receiving Gambari. Russia did not address the issue. UK PR Sawers spoke strongly in favor of retaining Burma as a footnote. Belgium and Slovakia also expressed support for retaining the footnote. ¶3. (C) Amb Wolff, noting that the Council had agreed to receive a briefing by Gambari on his efforts, stressed the importance of sending a signal of strong Security Council support for Gambari's mission. Recalling that many members of the Council routinely stressed the need for transparency in Council conduct, Amb Wolff said it should be no surprise to anyone that the Council is interested in the envoy's activities, and underscored the importance of conveying the Council's backing. French PR Ripert concluded the discussion by restating the Council's agreement to meet with Gambari in September and reminding delegations that the program of work referred to topics under active discussion. The Council then adopted the program of work with Burma (or, Myanmar, as it is referred to at the UN) as a footnote. The French, who currently hold the Council presidency, subsequently arranged for Gambari's presentation on September 20. ¶4. (C) Prior to the Council discussion, Amb Wolff met with Gambari in advance of his midday press briefing. Wolff pressed Gambari to be candid about the international community's disappointment and frustration with the actions of the Burmese regime, and warned him that his credibility was on the line: "We will be watching your presentation carefully." Gambari admitted privately to Wolff that Ban's chief of staff, V.J. Nambiar, had advised SYG Ban and Gambari to take a softer line on Burma. Following the meeting with Gambari, Wolff called Nambiar and told him he risked embarrassing Ban and undermining the UN's credibility. According to Gambari, Nambiar then called the envoy and rescinded his earlier instructions. When Gambari later met with the press, he delivered a more candid assessment of the current situation than previously heard by the UN leadership. ¶5. (C) In his meeting with Wolff, Gambari said Ban had told him to get to Burma quickly. Gambari is relying on China and Russia to secure Burmese agreement. Gambari explained he is seeking two trips. The purpose of the first is to capitalize on his recent trips to build international support, which he wants to use to pressure the regime. The purpose of the second would be to stay for an extended working visit. In response to reftel demarche points raised by Wolff, Gambari agreed that he should meet with Aung San Sui Kyi and democracy activists, and confirmed he would visit Washington prior to his trip. (Note: Gambari will be on leave from September 6-12, when he returns to New York. We could thus arrange a trip to Washington between September 13-19. End Note.) KHALILZAD