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