BURMA: NLD ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EMPHASIZES

C O N F I D E N T I A L RANGOON 000661 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/MLS, DRL, AND IO PACOM FOR FPA E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/14/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM BM SUBJECT: BURMA: NLD ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EMPHASIZES PARTY DISCIPLINE, ACCENTS YOUTH REF: RANGOON 659 Classified By: Political Officer Marc Shaw for Reasons 1.4 (b) & (d) NLD Celebrates 21 Years -------------- ¶1. (SBU) This year's National League for Democracy (NLD) anniversary celebration, which Charge and Poloff attended September 27, was notable for its unusually upbeat atmosphere. Fresh faces dotted the packed house that included Western diplomats and approximately 20 recently released political prisoners who occupied seats of honor at the front. The positive energy was palpable -- brought to life by a youth choir that infused Aung San Suu Kyi lyrics into a traditional Burmese song. NLD Emphasizes Party Discipline and Unity -------------- ¶2. (U) Both the official statement released by the NLD and a speech delivered by Central Executive Committee (CEC) member Hla Pe repeatedly referenced themes of unity and party discipline. Hinting at possible discord within NLD ranks, Hla Pe stated that the party is not unified at all levels. He called on party members -- from the ward to the CEC level -- to work together to advance the ideals of the NLD, and he challenged them to step-up organization and rekindle efforts to be in touch with people at the grassroots. ¶3. (U) Hla Pe briefly referenced dialogue with the regime as the way forward during his speech. The official statement added clarity, saying the NLD's major issues with the regime include unconditional release of all political prisoners, national reconciliation, equal opportunities for ethnic nationalities, review of the 2008 Constitution, recognition of the People's Parliament, elections (past and future),and improvement in people's living conditions. To resolve these issues, the CEC has requested the regime to create the "fair political climate for dialogue to find solutions for national reconciliation" by releasing political prisoners, re-opening NLD offices, and allowing other political parties that were de-registered after the 1990 elections to organize freely. Comment -------------- ¶4. (C) As noted reftel, the NLD leadership has welcomed the U.S. policy review outcomes. CEC member Khin Maung Swe again expressed to the Charge on Sunday the NLD's hope that engagement can lead Burma out of its political stalemate. It is speculation to conclude the U.S. review was a stimulus for good cheer at NLD HQ Sunday, the recent release of some political prisoners surely factored in; but the upbeat mood was palpable. ¶5. (C) Given NLD and exile criticism of the Burma regime's plans for a "disciplined-flourishing democracy," it was striking to see the NLD anniversary message's focus on strengthening party discipline. Critics of the NLD have long argued that the party talks democracy themes far better than it practices them internally. In conversations in recent months with the Uncles, we have sensed internal divisions which arguably could be a sign of party health, not flaws needing urgent correction. DINGER