BURMA -- ENGAGING INDONESIA ON THE REGIME'S

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 000862 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS (COPE) NSC FOR E.PHU E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/30/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV ID BM SUBJECT: BURMA -- ENGAGING INDONESIA ON THE REGIME'S REFERENDUM REF: STATE 45471 Classified By: Pol/C Joseph Legend Novak, reasons 1.4 (b+d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Mission has underscored to Department of Foreign Affairs (DEPLU) contacts reftel concerns about the Burmese regime's May 10 referendum. Pol/C stressed that the regime's conduct of the referendum has totally failed to adhere to international standards. DEPLU contacts replied that Indonesia has made its concerns about the referendum clear. Pol/C urged that the GOI speak out even more strongly on the matter. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) On April 30, Pol/C underscored to DEPLU contacts reftel concerns about the Burmese regime's May 10 referendum. Pol/C stressed that the regime's conduct of the referendum has totally failed to adhere to international standards for free and fair elections. The USG and many other nations are concerned that the imposition on the Burnese people of a non-representative constitution via an illegitimate referendum will risk renewed instability. A referendum process that is not free and fair demands a strong response from the international community, possibly including action in the UN Security Council. ¶3. (C) Continuing, Pol/C noted that the USG acknowledges Indonesia's previous public statements regarding the credibility of the referendum. We urge that Indonesia and ASEAN work to sustain public pressure on the regime. It would be entirely appropriate for Indonesia to issue statements expressing deep disappointment about the situation on the margins of the upcoming ASEAN Regional Forum and U.S.-ASEAN Dialogue. ¶4. (C) Trini Gunarti, the acting Director of the Americas Desk, commented that Indonesia shared U.S. concerns about the referendum. Nothing had happened to adjust that view. Pol/C noted that the GOI should consider speaking out even more strongly on the matter. Gunarti replied that the GOI would consider that. (Note: USG points were also passed to DEPLU's ASEAN Direcorate.) HUME