DEMARCHE TO LAOS: BURMA REFERENDUM

C O N F I D E N T I A L VIENTIANE 000265 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/05/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV LA BM SUBJECT: DEMARCHE TO LAOS: BURMA REFERENDUM REF: STATE 45471 Classified By: Ambassador Ravic Huso. Reasons: 1.4 b and d. ¶1. (C) Summary: In response to delivery of Reftel demarche, a MFA official said that the GOL sees the referendum process in Burma as an internal affair, adding that the GOL hopes that the referendum and new constitution are successful. Asked whether the GOL has encouraged a more transparent process, the official said that the GOL has urged the Burmese government to deliver on its commitments to the UN and to follow the example of other countries, such as Thailand. The official said that he and colleagues in other ASEAN countries are "very proud" that the U.S. has recognized ASEAN through the appointment of Ambassador Marciel. End summary. ¶2. (SBU) The DCM delivered Reftel demarche to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa Voroth Soundara May 2. She also provided him with a copy of the President's statement and executive order regarding additional sanctions on the Burmese regime. In delivering the demarche points, she emphasized the importance of avoiding positive public statements about the referendum process. ¶3. (SBU) Mr. Voroth said that, while he understood U.S. concerns, the GOL plans to wait and see what happens during the referendum vote and after before making its own assessment. He said that the Lao government would like to get opinions from other ASEAN countries about the situation. The GOL has also been getting information from its embassy in Rangoon and from visiting delegations of Burmese officials. The Lao government, Mr. Voroth said, believes that the Burmese government is trying to follow up on what it promised to UNSYG Special Advisor Gambari. He said he hopes the referendum will pass and the new constitution will be approved. When the DCM reiterated USG concerns about the credibility of the referendum process, Mr. Voroth said that the GOL sees this as an internal affair of the Burmese government. ¶4. (C) The DCM asked Mr. Voroth about discussions between GOL and Burmese officials during recent bilateral meetings, including the April 10-16 visit by Burmese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kyaw Thu. Mr. Voroth said that this had been primarily a private visit, arranged so that the Burmese DPM could observe the celebration of the traditional Lao New Year, which the Burmese also celebrate. However, in this and other exchanges, Lao officials have encouraged their Burmese counterparts to follow international standards and to deliver on their promises to the international community. They have encouraged the Burmese to learn from the example of other countries, such as Thailand. He noted that it is up to the Burmese government to decide whether to listen to advice from Laos and other ASEAN countries. ¶5. (U) The DCM told Mr. Voroth that the Senate had approved the nomination of Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asia and the Pacific Scot Marciel as the first U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN. Mr. Voroth said that he had discussed Ambassador Marciel's appointment with a number of representatives from other ASEAN countries. All were "very proud" that the U.S. had acted so quickly to recognize ASEAN through Ambassador Marciel's appointment. ¶6. (C) Comment: Discussions with Lao officials on Burma inevitably lead to the recitation of the ASEAN "no interference" mantra. However, their frustration at the situation in Burma is apparent. They clearly see this issue as undermining ASEAN's credibility and its efforts in other areas. However, there is no prospect of the Lao government making a public statement opposing the referendum. End comment. HUSO