DEMARCHE - DEFENDING THE AUTHORITIES OF THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 000678 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/23/2019 TAGS: PREL ETRD PHUM BM RP SUBJECT: DEMARCHE - DEFENDING THE AUTHORITIES OF THE TRIPARTITE CORE GROUP IN BURMA REF: STATE 27325 Classified By: Political Counselor Tom Gibbons by reasons 1.4b and d. ¶1. (C) Post discussed reftel points with Director Voltaire Pingul of the Office of ASEAN Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA),regarding the intention of Government of Burma to curtail significantly the authorities of the UN, ASEAN, and the Government of Burma Tripartite Core Group (TCG) working in the cyclone-affected areas in the Irrawaddy Delta. Director Pingul said his office was unaware of any such initiative by the Burmese government, and Post's demarche was the first he had heard of it. He assured Post of the Philippines' continuing commitment to maintaining the current authorities of the TCG and added that he will bring this matter to the attention of senior DFA officials. Post will continue to follow up with DFA to press for a positive outcome. KENNEY