PRC: DEMARCHE URGING AUNG SAN SUU KYI'S RELEASE

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 001244 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/MLS LAURA SCHEIBE E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/08/2029 TAGS: PREL PHUM PGOV CH BM SUBJECT: PRC: DEMARCHE URGING AUNG SAN SUU KYI'S RELEASE DELIVERED REF: STATE 46562 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons 1.4 (b/d). ¶1. (C) In response to reftel points requesting that China urge the Government of Burma to release democratic opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, MFA Asian Affairs Department Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam Division Deputy Director Chen Chen told POLOFF May 8 that China hoped that all parties in Burma could solve their political differences through dialogue. Pressed for comment on the important role to be played by Aung San Suu Kyi in any transition to a genuine democracy, Deputy Director Chen responded that Burma sought better relations with the United States and that China hoped the United States and Burma would improve bilateral ties. Deputy Director Chen added that China looked forward to further discussions on Burma upon completion of the U.S. policy review. PICCUTA