RTG WELCOMED APDP PROPOSAL

UNCLAS BANGKOK 001254 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DRL FOR CHRISTOPHER CAMPONOVO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KDEM PHUM PREL TH SUBJECT: RTG WELCOMED APDP PROPOSAL REF: STATE 39596 ¶1. (SBU) During an April 18 visit to Bangkok, Ambassador Rees, IO Special Representative for Social Issues, met with MFA Deputy Director General for International Organizations Ittiporn Boonpracong to deliver reftel points on the Asia Pacific Democracy Partnership (APDP). Ambassador Rees explained the background of the APDP initiative and noted the important role the RTG could play in such a regional organization based on Thailand's own experiences with democratic institution building. Referring to the APDP concept paper post sent to Ittiporn's attention on April 17, Ambassador Rees expressed the USG's interest in Thailand's participation as a founding member of this initiative. ¶2. (SBU) Ittiporn replied that the RTG welcomed the opportunity to consider participation in the APDP. He declared that such an organization had the potential to contribute greatly to the strengthening of democracy in the region and informed Ambassador Rees that the Thais would seriously study the proposal. In response to Ittiporn's inquiry as to how the USG envisioned the APDP to be organized, Rees explained that administrative details would have to be determined by the partner governments and added that it would also be an opportunity to collaborate with civil society in the member countries. Ittiporn expressed concern that the APDP focus on strengthening democracy among partner governments, rather than forcing it on neighboring countries (read: Burma). ¶3. (SBU) Post will follow up with Ittiporn's office and report any further response. ¶4. (U) Ambassador Rees did not have the opportunity to clear this cable. JOHN