CANADA CONTINUES PRESSURE ON BURMA; SENDS CYCLONE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 OTTAWA 000621

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EAP/MLS AARON COPE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/06/2013
TAGS: PREL PHUM BM CA
SUBJECT: CANADA CONTINUES PRESSURE ON BURMA; SENDS CYCLONE
AID

REF: A. STATE 45471


B. QUEBEC 00013

Classified By: PolMinCouns Scott Bellard, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary: Canada shares U.S. concern about the
imposition on the Burmese people of a non-representative
constitution, and has been publicly pressuring Burma to bring
an end to the country's environment of fear and repression.
On May 5, Foreign Minister Bernier conferred honorary
Canadian citizenship on Aung San Suu Kyi, underscoring
Canada's opposition to the "climate of fear" the Burmese
regime has created. Canada plans to respond "appropriately"
following the constitutional referendum. On May 5, Canada
also announced a grant of C$2 million in humanitarian aid for
cyclone relief, and will consider additional assistance. End
summary.


2. (C) According to Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade (DFAIT) Southeast Asia and Pacific
Division Deputy Director Evelyne Coulombe, Canada is
continuing publicly to pressure Burma to put an end to the
country's environment of fear and intimidation, and to take
"real steps" towards democracy. Coulombe said that Canada
feels it has already spoken out on the issue of Burmese
repression, and is currently in a "wait-and-see" mode. She
noted that Canada would respond appropriately if the
referendum does not meet international standards. The
Canadian DCM in Bangkok has requested a visa to cover the
referendum, but the Burmese Embassy had indicated -- even
before the recent cyclone -- that he could not travel to
Burma until at least May 15.


3. (U) On May 5, Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier paid
tribute to Aung San Suu Kyi in a ceremony on Parliament Hill
in Ottawa conferring honorary Canadian citizenship; her
cousin Dr. Sein Win, chairman of the National Coalition
Government of the Union of Burma, accepted on her behalf.
Bernier praised Aung San Suu Kyi's tireless struggle for
freedom and democracy in Burma, and underscored that Canada
remains "appalled" by the ongoing repression instituted by
the Burmese regime and the "climate of fear" created in the
country. (Full text in para 6.) On May 6, the Speaker of
the House of Commons Peter Milliken at the end of Question
Period publicly recognized Sein Win, who rose to warm
applause from MPs and observers.


4. (U) Minister of International Cooperation Beverley Oda
separately announced in Parliament on May 5 a Canadian grant
of C$2 million (approximately USD 2 million) for cyclone
relief through the UN, the Red Cross, and other international
organizations, and called on the Burmese authorities to
provide full and unhindered access to humanitarian groups to
assist with relief efforts. (Text of statement in para 7.)
Members of Parliament on May 5 and 6 called for even more
generous assistance to the victims, while voicing concerns
about the ability of Canada and international community to
monitor the Burmese regime's disbursement of aid. According
to Minister Oda and DFAIT officials, Canada will consider
additional assistance now in light of subsequent updates
about the level of destruction, loss of human life, and needs
of survivors.


5. (U) As noted in ref b, the Canadian government on March
27 organized a conference on Burma in Quebec City, featuring
UN Special Rapporteur Ibrahim Gambari. During the
conference, entitled "How the International Community Can
Support the UN Efforts in Burma/Myanmar," Canadian Minister
QSupport the UN Efforts in Burma/Myanmar," Canadian Minister
for Democratic Reform Peter Van Loan emphasized Canada's
commitment to a strong and continuing response to Burmese
oppression, and stated that Canada had imposed the strongest
sanctions of any country in the world against Burma.


6. (U) Text of May 5 statement by Foreign Minister Bernier
on honorary Canadian citizenship for Aung San Suu Kyi

Begin quote
On October 17, 2007, the House of Commons conferred honorary
Canadian citizenship on Aung San Suu Kyi in recognition of
her long and courageous battle to promote freedom and
democracy in Burma. The presentation of this honorary
Canadian citizenship to Aung San Suu Kyi is testimony to
Canada's long-standing respect and admiration of her tireless
struggle, a struggle she has pursued in the face of
overwhelming odds.

Canada continues to stand up for the universal values that

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are under siege in Burma today. The Burmese regime is
abhorrent to Canadian values. On December 13, Canada imposed
the toughest sanction of any country in the world against
Burma. We have chosen sanctions that will have an impact on
the Burmese regime and clearly indicate Canada's condemnation
of that regime's complete disregard for human rights and
repression of the democratic movement.

In spite of the calls by Canada and other members of the
international community, the Burmese regime has continued to
arrest and detain those who oppose it. We once again call
upon the regime to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all other
political prisoners, and to respect the human rights and
fundamental freedoms of all the people of Burma. We stand
alongside those who, like Aung San Suu Kyi, share our
commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule
of law.
End quote


7. (U) Text of the May 5 statement on provision of
humanitarian assistance to Burma:
Begin text

I (Minister Oda) wish to extend my condolences to the
families of the deceased and express my concern for those
affected by the terrible devastation caused by Tropical
Cyclone Nargis. The Government of Canada has set aside up to
( C )$2 million to prove urgent relief to the people of
Burma. Canada is working closely with trusted partners such
as United Nations humanitarian agencies, the Red Cross
Movement and experienced non-governmental organizations to
determine how Canada's support can best meet the humanitarian
needs of the people, once access is allowed by the Burmese
government.

On behalf of Canadians, I (Minister Bernier) would like to
extend my sympathies to the many thousands of families in
Burma who have lost loved ones and whose lives have been
severely affected by this disaster," said Minister Bernier.
"We call upon the Burmese authorities to provide full and
unhindered access to humanitarian organizations to allow them
to assist with the relief efforts.

Core funding already provided by Canada to international
humanitarian agencies enables these partners to begin
assessments and to provide immediate relief in the aftermath
of natural disasters.

The funds announced today will be provided as cash
contributions to independent, impartial and neutral Canadian
International Development Agency partners, who have the
operational capacity to meet humanitarian needs.

In December 2007, Canada made the Special Economic Measures
(Burma) Regulations. These measures include an export ban
and a prohibition on the provision of Canadian financial
services to and from Burma. There are exemptions to these
sanctions on humanitarian grounds.

Canadian officials are actively monitoring the situation. To
date, there are no reports of Canadian deaths or injuries as
a result of the cyclone. Canadians are advised against
non-essential travel to Burma due to extensive damage caused.

Visit Canada,s Economy and Environment Forum at
http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/can ada

WILKINS