SINGAPORE SUPPORTS EXTENSION OF TRIPARTITE CORE

UNCLAS SINGAPORE 000047 STATE FOR EAP/MLS - J. EMERY STATE ALSO FOR EAP/MTS - M. COPPOLA NSC FOR ELIZABETH PHU NEW DELHI FOR EHRENDREICH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ETRD PHUM PGOV SN BM SUBJECT: SINGAPORE SUPPORTS EXTENSION OF TRIPARTITE CORE GROUP IN BURMA REF: STATE 3932 Singapore supports the extension of the Tripartite Core Group (TCG) in Burma, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Acting Director for ASEAN Dominic Goh told E/P Counselor on January 15. Goh said ASEAN countries do not see an extension of the TCG as controversial, but that so far, Burma has yet to indicate it would welcome the extension. Goh noted that the TCG has allowed countries to have a foot in the door with Burma, and has been a step in the right direction. Goh said the ASEAN Directorate's new Director General, Kwok Fook Seng (Singapore's former DCM to Malaysia) will lead Singapore's delegation to the January 17 ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force Meeting in Jakarta, and while there, will urge ASEAN to extend the TCG. Goh noted that the Australians had delivered a similar demarche on January 14. Visit Embassy Singapore's Classified website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/singapore/ind ex.cfm HERBOLD