BURMA: SENATOR WEBB'S MEETING WITH PRIME

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 RANGOON 000536 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'S MEETING WITH PRIME MINISTER THEIN SEIN RANGOON 00000536 001.2 OF 004 Classified By: P/E Chief Jennifer Harhigh for Reasons 1.4 (b) & (d) Summary -------------- ¶1. (S) During a one-hour meeting with Prime Minister Thein Sein on August 14, Senator Webb requested a meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK) and urged her release from house arrest, noting the positive impact it would have on bilateral relations and Burma's standing in the world. The Senator also sought the release and deportation of detained American John Yettaw. Using classic regime rhetoric, the PM criticized sanctions as harming the economy and hindering democracy, and explained the regime's roadmap, promising free, fair and inclusive elections. That said, the Prime Minister made clear that Burma wants better relations with the U.S. as well as the ability to communicate directly with Washington; the regime has tapped Science and Technology Minister and former Ambassador to the U.S. U Thaung as a direct line to the GOB. The tone of the meeting was positive and cordial, with both Senator Webb and the Prime Minister citing the benefits that improved bilateral relations could offer if certain issues are resolved. End summary. Participants -------------- ¶2. (U) Codel Webb's August 14 meeting with the Prime Minister and other GOB Ministers took place at Government House in Nay Pyi Taw, Burma. 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: General Thein Sein, Prime Minister U Thaung, Minister of Science and Technology U Nyan Win, Minister of Foreign Affairs Brig. Gen. Kyaw San, Minister of Information (also spelled Kyaw Hsan) Maj. Gen. Khin Aung Myint, Minister of Culture Col. Thurein Zaw, Deputy Minister, Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development Col. Thant Shin, Chief of Staff, Office of the Prime Minister U Kyaw Kyaw, Director General, Protocol Department, MOFA U Ye Lwin (notetaker) Visit, Meeting with Head of State Can Enhance Bilateral Relationship -------------- -------------- ¶3. (C) PM Thein Sein greeted Senator Webb warmly, noting he 
is very impressed with the Senator's achievements. He said the GOB views the Senator's visit as a very important event, and noted that the meeting with Senior General Than Shwe, Burma's head of state, will help enhance the bilateral relationship. Senator Webb replied that despite the differences between the U.S. and Burmese governments, under the right conditions there can be a new road forward. He hopes for frank discussions. Senator Webb congratulated the government for taking a step forward and preparing for elections. Implementation of electoral laws would be an important signal to the world. With progress on those areas and the resolution of other issues, it will be possible to have a new dialogue. The Senator said he understands that Burma faces challenges and that stability in Burma's multi-ethnic state is a complicated issue. Webb said he has talked and written about the need for a new approach on sanctions with Burma, but noted that events in the last few months make any change in U.S. sanctions policy difficult. RANGOON 00000536 002.2 OF 004 Senator Requests ASSK Meeting, Questions her Detention -------------- -------------- ¶4. (C) Senator Webb asked the PM to allow him to meet with ASSK as an important signal to the U.S. He questioned the PM why authorities believe it is necessary to continue ASSK's house arrest, adding that most of the world judges the GOB by how it treats ASSK. ¶5. (C) The PM replied that ASSK's trial is over and that the verdict was in accordance with the law. ASSK's legal status is purely a domestic issue. ASSK was given only the minimum sentence of three years. The SPDC halved that sentence, and she will be able to serve the remaining eighteen months at home. If she follows the rules, the sentence might be further reduced. The PM continued that UNSYG Ban was not allowed to meet ASSK because her trial was still underway during his July visit. The situation is different now, allowing the GOB to accommodate the Senator's request. Webb reiterated that he is interested in exploring "a new road" with Burma, and added that from the world's perspective, it will be very difficult to accept elections as "open" if ASSK is kept away from the public. Seeks Deportation of Detained Amcit -------------- ¶6. (C) Senator Webb also requested the release and deportation of American John Yettaw as a goodwill gesture. He said he does not defend Yettaw's actions, but stressed the American's ill health. The PM replied that Yettaw has been punished according to his crimes. The GOB has procedures that it must follow in such cases, but he pledged that the government will consider the request positively. GOB Seeking Better Bilateral Relations -------------- ¶7. (C) Turning to bilateral relations, the PM noted that the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1947, before Burma's independence. Vice-President Nixon visited in 1958 and again in 1985. Ne Win had an official visit to Washington in 1966. Senators McCain and Kerry have visited. Burma received assistance from the U.S. before 1988 for counternarcotics, security cooperation, poppy eradication, education, health, and human resources. Post-Nargis, the U.S. provided generous emergency assistance, for which Burma is grateful. The GOB is trying to find remains of American WWII soldiers and repatriate them. ¶8. (S) Thein Sein stated that Burma believes in peaceful coexistence and strives for positive relations and good communications with all countries. In that regard, he continued, Burma has designated U Thaung, the Minister of Science and Technology and a former Ambassador to U.S. (present at the meeting),as the "communicator" for relations with Washington. The U.S. and Burma had very good relations before, the PM stated, and the GOB wants to engage in direct communication and dialogue. Efforts via UN SYG Ban and UN Special Envoy Gambari have not been direct, the PM said, and he urged Senator Webb to "please tell the U.S. Government" that Burma wants direct relations with the U.S. (Note: Separately, Director General for Protocol Kyaw Kyaw told the Charge that U Thaung can be available for direct conversation with Washington. End note.) The PM also proposed the two countries upgrade their representation to Ambassadors in both capitals. Stability, Security Shape Regime's Outlook -------------- ¶9. (C) The PM avoided polemics, but nevertheless repeated traditional regime rhetoric regarding Burma's diverse ethnic background and the resulting need for stability and security. The regime is doing its best to solve problems and educate RANGOON 00000536 003.2 OF 004 the people about democratic practices, he said. The government must take an all-inclusive approach; the focus should not be on one individual or organization. Security, development, human rights, and democracy are all related. Burma must have security and stability for peace and tranquility, he stressed. PM Calls for Investment, Criticizes Sanctions -------------- ¶10. (C) Turning to economics, the PM noted that the worldwide financial crisis and sanctions were taking a toll on Burma's economy. Burma has an agricultural base and produces enough rice to feed its people and export a surplus. However, beyond food security, Burma needs industrialization to develop. The country has natural resources, he stated, but needs outside investment and technology. Western sanctions create more poverty, hinder the development of democracy, and create hatred of the West. Economic development will lead to political stability and democracy. Elections Will be Free, Fair, Inclusive -------------- ¶11. (C) The PM explained the regime's "Roadmap to Democracy," saying Burma has learned the lesson of Iraq and Afghanistan: don't move toward democracy in haste. The constitution had been approved by 92.48 percent of the people. Planned elections in 2010 will be free, fair, and inclusive, he insisted. Political party and election laws will be issued soon. All "eligible" parties will be able to participate. The PM invited Senator Webb to return for another visit and to tell President Obama "we wish him very well." Senator Webb: U.S. and Burma Can Work Together -------------- -- ¶12. (C) Senator Webb responded by citing the Obama Administration Burma policy review and noting that he had had many discussions about Burma with then-Senators Clinton and Obama. He came to Burma now to help shift bilateral relations to a different path. The U.S. and Burma have all the ingredients for a natural friendship once certain issues are resolved. Both were colonized by the British, both have many nationalities. Diversity is a challenge but also a strength. The Senator said he is aware of the situation inside Burma since 1947, which has been complicated for a long time by China. U.S. and Burma can work together, and the U.S. can provide balance in the region. ¶13. (C) Senator Webb acknowledged the PM's point that a country needs development to foster democracy. He referred to Vietnam, where he had helped by serving as a bridge between the government and U.S.-based Vietnamese. He had observed parallels between Burma and Vietnam during his 2001 personal visit to Burma. He noted that one of his friends had closed his business in Burma because of sanctions, putting people out of work. Burma's citizens could have a better life if relations were better. The Senator concluded by reiterating that the GOB must address a number of issues to gain the trust and support of the United States. The PM again thanked the Senator for visiting and added "we will consider your points." Biographic Note -------------- ¶14. (C) U Thaung is currently Minister for Science and Technology. He served as Ambassador to the U.S. from 1991-1996, and has also served as Ambassador to Canada. He is a former Minister of Labor and Minister of Industry-1 and has held various GOB positions related to mining and industry. He reportedly graduated from the same Defense Service Academy class as Vice Senior General Maung Aye and is believed to have served with Senior General Than Shwe in the RANGOON 00000536 004.2 OF 004 Psychological Warfare Department. Many observers consider him a regime insider with close ties to those two senior leaders. ¶15. (SBU) Codel Webb declined the opportunity to clear on this message. VAJDA