GAMBARI REPORTS "SOME PROGRESS" IN BURMA

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 USUN NEW YORK 000795

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/04/2018
TAGS: PHUM PREL UNSC BM
SUBJECT: GAMBARI REPORTS "SOME PROGRESS" IN BURMA

REF: A. USUN 662

B. USUN 666

Classified By: Ambassador Khalilzad, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary: UN Special Advisor Ibrahim Gambari told
Ambassador Khalilzad on September 3 that despite negative
press reports, his recent visit to Burma delivered some
progress on process. Though he was unable to explain Aung
San Suu Kyi's (ASSK) unwillingness to meet with him, Gambari
pointed out that he met with Labor Minister and Liaison
Officer Aung Kyi, met twice with the National League for
Democracy (NLD) Executive Committee, and also had a good
meeting with the Prime Minister. He acknowledged, however,
that his achievements with the regime were minimal. He
commented that the atmosphere in Burma was better than during
his March visit, but that progress was "not in the bag." He
also gave a brief account of his travel in the region.
Ambassador Khalilzad conveyed U.S. disappointment with
Gambari's inability to meet with ASSK or Senior General Than
Shwe. He told Gambari that the visit could not be considered
a success and that the United States, the Security Council
and Gambari need to take stock and carefully assess next
steps. End Summary.


2. (C) Special Advisor Gambari complained that press reports
on his recent visit to Burma focused on what did not happen
-- namely that he did not see ASSK or Senior General Than
Shwe. He remarked that ASSK's refusal to attend their
scheduled meeting was "totally unexpected." Gambari was
unable to offer any explanation but noted that ASSK
subsequently refused her doctor and additional food
deliveries. Only her lawyer had access, he said. Gambari
speculated that ASSK was focused on pursuing her case against
the regime challenging her house arrest.


3. (C) Gambari said that he conveyed to the National League
for Democracy (NLD) Executive Committee the five messages and
themes he outlined for the Security Council and Group of
Friends prior to his visit (reftel),which had been "blessed"
by the Council, Group of Friends, President of the General
Assembly and Secretary General. The Executive Committee
reportedly agreed that he should pursue four of the five, but
had strong reservations about election assistance because the
NLD "was not prepared to discuss elections at this point."


4. (C) Though Gambari admitted that he was not able to
achieve what he set out to accomplish during his visit, he
said the regime did agree to support "regularized" UN
engagement and added that a UN staff member could apply for a
visa to stay in Rangoon between visits. According to
Gambari, the regime "could cooperate with areas of the
economic forum" Gambari had proposed in the past and told him
they would provide proposals to move this forward. On
elections, the GOB said they would accept help from the UN
only after they had established the Elections Commission.
They would also consider the release of political prisoners
as part of an amnesty program. Finally, Gambari said that
according to the junta, the interruption in dialogue between
the regime and ASSK was not deliberate and they intended to
resume dialogue as soon as possible. The regime was aware of
ASSK's desire to raise the level of the dialogue, but
preferred to resume dialogue between ASSK and Aung Kyi first.


5. (C) Gambari gave a brief account of his follow-on travel
to Thailand and Indonesia. He said that he met with Thai
Prime Minister Samak who, despite claims of being supportive
of the UN, released "unfortunate comments to the press that
ASSK should be disregarded" the day after their meeting.
Gambari also met with Thai Foreign Minister Tej who stressed
that the fate of Burma was in the hands of the Burmese. In
Indonesia, Gambari said that President Yudhoyono expressed
his interest in convening the small focus group comprising
Indonesia, India, China, Burma and the UN, before the UNGA.


6. (C) Ambassador Khalilzad told Gambari that he was looking
forward to Gambari's brief to the Council early this month as
soon as the Council settles on a date. He cautioned Gambari
that his inability to meet with ASSK and Senior General Than
Shwe was a disappointment and reminded him that there were
outstanding requests by the Council and the international
community for concrete progress on the release of political
prisoners, including ASSK, as well as the commencement of a
genuine, inclusive dialogue. He remarked that the United
States views Gambari's efforts regarding the economic forum
as a reward for good behavior, which the regime has not
earned. Khalilzad said that Gambari's recent visit was not a
success and told him that the United States would need to
take stock of the situation. He added that the U.S. and the
Security Council would carefully consider next steps, adding
that Gambari should do the same.

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