BRUNEI SUPPORTS ASEAN STATEMENT ON ASSK CONVICTION BUT

UNCLAS BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 000191 SENSTIIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/MLS/SCHEIBEL, EAP/MTS/COPPOLAMG E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL BX SUBJECT: BRUNEI SUPPORTS ASEAN STATEMENT ON ASSK CONVICTION BUT WILL NOT SPEAK OUT ON THEIR OWN REF: SECSTATE 83598 BRUNEI NOT SPEAKING OUT ON THEIR OWN -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Per Reftel, Charg delivered demarche to Sheikh Fadillah, Director, Political Affairs I, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). Fadillah stated that Government of Brunei (GoB) fully supports the ASEAN Chair's statement on Burma and the conviction of Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK). He noted that the GoB would not be making a public statement on the conviction at this time. Fadillah said if a meeting on Burma was called by ASEAN, the GOB would attend. The GoB does not believe a meeting is forthcoming. Charg noted that the U.S. is deeply concerned that the conviction sets back USG and other nations' efforts to engage with Burma. Fadillah responded the GoB is pleased with the US offer to further engage with Burma, as noted by SecState Clinton in Phuket. He also stated the GoB does understand the ASSK conviction is a significant hindrance to the USG diplomatic efforts in this regard. MCINTYRE