BURMA: SENATOR WEBB MEETS THAN SHWE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 RANGOON 000535 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/MLS, DRL, AND IO PACOM FOR FPA E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/16/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM BM SUBJECT: BURMA: SENATOR WEBB MEETS THAN SHWE RANGOON 00000535 001.8 OF 003 Classified By: P/E Chief Jennifer Harhigh for Reasons 1.4 (b) & (d) Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) During a 25-minute meeting August 15, Senator Jim Webb and party met top leaders of Burma's State Peace and Development Council (SPDC),including Senior Gen. Than Shwe. Senator Webb requested a meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK) and observed that resolution of the ASSK issue is necessary for improving bilateral relations. Her release, he stressed, would send a positive signal to the world. Than Shwe granted the meeting with ASSK, but did not address the issue of her release. Senator Webb also sought and obtained the deportation of detained American John Yettaw. Webb welcomed Burma's progress on elections and offered U.S. assistance for a multi-party vote; Than Shwe expressed thanks but otherwise had no comment. The cordial discussion echoed engagement themes raised during Webb's earlier GOB meetings, with both Than Shwe and Senator Webb expressing an interest in better bilateral ties. End summary. Participants -------------- ¶2. (U) Codel Webb's meeting with Than Shwe and SPDC leaders took place August 15, 2009, 11:10 a.m., at Bayintnaung Yeiktha Guesthouse in the military district of Nay Pyi Taw. Participants included: Codel Webb Senator Jim Webb Senate Professional Staff Member Marta McLellan Ross Charge d'Affaires Larry Dinger DATT Colonel Brey Sloan Political/Economic Chief Jennifer Harhigh Burma Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the SPDC Vice Senior General Maung Aye, Vice Chairman SPDC, Deputy Commander in Chief of Defense Services, Commander of Army General Thura Shwe Mann, Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy, Air Force) General Thein Sein, Prime Minister General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Secretary 1, Quartermaster General U Nyan Win, Minister of Foreign Affairs Col. Kyaw Kyaw Win, Director-General, SPDC U Kyaw Kyaw, Director-General, Protocol Department, MOFA U Win Mra, former Permanent Representative to the UN (notetaker) A Warm Welcome... -------------- ¶3. (C) Than Shwe opened the August 15 meeting -- the first ever between the Senior General and a U.S. official -- by warmly welcoming Senator Webb. Than Shwe noted that Burma and the U.S. had established diplomatic relations in 1947 and have enjoyed much cooperation since that time. Burma regards every nation as a friendly nation. At times there are difficulties, Than Shwe continued, but they are not permanent. There are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, and difficult relationship problems can be solved. Than Shwe introduced the other senior generals, noting that Prime Minister Thein Sein, whom the Senator had met the previous day (septel),had already explained the Senator's concerns to the other SPDC members. ¶4. (C) Senator Webb thanked Than Shwe for granting him a useful series of meetings to improve mutual understanding. He stated that his visit is intended to seek a better way forward for the bilateral relationship. The Administration, including both President Obama and Secretary Clinton, wants RANGOON 00000535 002.6 OF 003 better relations and a stronger U.S. presence in Southeast Asia. The Senator noted that the U.S. and Burma share many common attributes -- both are former colonies, both have ethnic diversity -- which can serve as a basis for a natural friendship once difficulties are addressed. SPDC Agrees to Deport Yettaw, Grant Meeting with ASSK -------------- -------------- ¶5. (C) Senator Webb said he has two requests and one observation. He requested the regime release detained American John Yettaw and allow him to depart Burma on the Senator's plane the following day as a gesture of goodwill. Expressing disappointment over the Yettaw incident, which had caused difficulties for both countries, Senator Webb said he has no desire to defend Yettaw's actions but is seeking his release and return to his family on humanitarian grounds since Yettaw is ill. Than Shwe replied that the SPDC had already discussed the matter and decided to grant the request as a sign of friendship. Webb said he would express appreciation for the gesture when he arrives in Bangkok. ¶6. (C) Webb then asked to visit ASSK, noting that the world is watching her situation, and a visit would be a strong gesture from the Burma government. Than Shwe replied that he was pleased to be able to grant the request. He added that UN SYG Ban also had requested a visit with ASSK in July, but due to the ongoing trial, it had not been appropriate for him to meet her. Now the trial is over and the request can be granted. The Senator remarked that allowing him to see ASSK would be helpful for bilateral relations. Call for ASSK's Release Goes Unanswered -------------- ¶7. (C) Senator Webb told Than Shwe that some resolution of the ASSK issue is necessary for a better way forward for the U.S. and Burma, as he had stated during a "healthy discussion" with the Prime Minister. Webb, noting that he was coming from outside Burma and speaking in a spirit of goodwill, wanted to explain that people around the world feel strongly about ASSK's situation. If the regime releases her, it will send a strong signal to the international community. Than Shwe looked pensive but barely addressed the issue. He noted that he and his colleagues are all uniformed soldiers who are still studying politics and thus are not as fully aware of political matters as the Senator, a former soldier himself. Senator Encourages GOB Election Efforts, Offers USG Advice -------------- ¶8. (C) Senator Webb moved on, noting his meetings about the electoral process the previous day had been useful and saying he hoped the U.S. can assist or give advice to help make multi-party elections in Burma a reality. He congratulated the GOB for moving forward with that process. Than Shwe said thanks for the offer. Senator Webb continued that once obstacles are resolved, people of other nations will start to understand the challenges Burma faces with its ethnic diversity and geography. Than Shwe then concluded the meeting, noting he had granted the Senator's two wishes in honor of his visit to Burma. Biographic Notes -------------- ¶9. (C) Although Than Shwe used a translator, he and the other senior generals appear to understand English well, with the possible exception of Tin Aung Myint Oo. Than Shwe even mixed in a few English words ("trial," "soldier") into his Burmese. Than Shwe and others appeared to understand Senator Webb's use of a humorous quotes (e.g., President Truman's comment that, "In politics, if you are looking for a loyal friend, get a dog"). Of the other senior generals, Thura Shwe Mann appeared most at ease, smiling throughout the conversation. Tin Aung Myint Oo scowled during much of the RANGOON 00000535 003.6 OF 003 meeting. The rest seemed pleasant, although all became a bit grim upon mention of ASSK's release. Maung Aye appeared particularly tense when the Senator explained his desire for better relations and a stronger U.S. presence in the region. ¶10. (C) All of the generals appeared fairly healthy, although the Prime Minister seemed to have a cold. Than Shwe does not have a strong voice. ¶11. (C) The camera spray at the top of the meeting was brief, as if Than Shwe was anxious to begin the private conversation. However, Than Shwe was eager for a photo of all meeting participants at the end of the meeting, smiling and ushering Senator Webb and party forward to pose for the cameras. ¶12. (SBU) Codel Webb declined the opportunity to clear on this message. VAJDA