SHAPING POST-CYCLONE ASSISTANCE IN BURMA

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 002524 SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS -- AARON COPE E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/26/2018 TAGS: PGOV EAID BM CH SUBJECT: SHAPING POST-CYCLONE ASSISTANCE IN BURMA REF: STATE 68527 Classified By: Acting Political Minister Counselor Ben Moeling. Reason s 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) PolOff on June 26 delivered to MFA reftel points seeking China's help in shaping the international responses to a revised UN appeal and the imminent UN report on needs in Burma after Cyclone Nargis. Drawing on reftel points, PolOff emphasized that China should join the international community in making clear to Burmese authorities that further assistance will depend on full access, transparency and accountability. PolOff added that donors should provide assistance according to proven international models that rely on community input, that assistance should not reinforce Burmese Government abuses and that underlying problems in Burma are political. ¶2. (C) MFA International Organizations and Conferences Department UN Division Deputy Director Sun Xiaobo said he would convey U.S. views to senior MFA officials. He said his initial reaction was that China's views on the situation in Burma are somewhat different. China believes it is imperative that the international community continue assistance to the Burmese Government and the Burmese people. An ASEAN-led mechanism is in place to act as a bridge between the Burmese Government and donors. Donors should make full use of this mechanism to sort out differences but assistance should not be delayed. Finally, Sun said, the international community should not link humanitarian assistance to human rights issues. "There are appropriate fora to discuss human rights issues," but such discussions should not be related to humanitarian assistance, Sun said. RANDT