GUIDANCE: BUILDING BLOCKS FOR USE POST CONVICTION

UNCLAS STATE 083335 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM UNSC BM SUBJECT: GUIDANCE: BUILDING BLOCKS FOR USE POST CONVICTION OF AUNG SAN SUU KYI ¶1. (U) This is an action request. USUN may draw from the following building blocks during August 11 consultations regarding the conviction of Aung San Suu Kyi or during any subsequent open debate on that subject as appropriate. ¶2. (SBU) Begin building blocks: Mr. President, we are saddened and disturbed by the conviction and sentencing of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to a further 18 months of house arrest on spurious charges of violating the terms of her house arrest. This profound miscarriage of justice, compounded by her continued detention alongside roughly 2,100 other political prisoners in Burma, raises troubling questions as to the ultimate intentions of the Burmese regime toward the international community, as well as toward the Burmese people, with respect to a future transition to genuine democracy. While challenges to human rights and good governance are manifold, Aung San Suu Kyi's exoneration and unconditional release would have provided an indication of the Burmese government's sincere desire for reintegration into the international community, and a meaningful step toward genuine national reconciliation, a prerequisite for credible national elections. Instead, the conviction and continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi is a significant setback and further evidence of the regime's stubborn resistance to positive change. We note, however, that there is still a way out - Burmese authorities can still choose to free her. We urge Burma's senior generals to reverse the destructive path they are currently on and choose instead national reconciliation by freeing her unconditionally. It is further troubling that the legal efforts against Aung San Suu Kyi occurred in clear opposition to the international community's sentiment, as expressed in the Council's unanimous statement of 11 October 2007, a statement reiterated on both 2 May 2008 and 22 May 2009, emphasizing "the importance of the early release of all political prisoners and remaining detainees," as well as "genuine dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi." The Burmese government's failure to pursue the Secretary General's recommendations was another missed opportunity. As U.S. government officials conveyed directly to Burmese representatives in Phuket, Thailand, on the margins of the ASEAN Regional Forum, the door remains open for engagement and progress, but for how much longer depends on the actions of the regime. Mr. President, this Council recognizes that the future of Burma should rightfully rest in the hands of its people. Putting Burma on the path towards progress is a challenge that will require the exertions of not just one person, but the collective efforts of the country, working together towards that common goal, with the support of Burma's neighbors and the international community. We call on the Burmese government to move onto this path - the path of justice, national reconciliation, and responsible participation in the international community. A credible first step would be the exoneration and unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi from detention and beginning with her -- along with other democratic opposition and ethnic minority leaders -- a long-sought, meaningful dialogue. The United States reiterates its appreciation for the Secretary General's personal efforts and his good-offices mission. We remain committed to supporting the people of Burma. We will continue to work with the Council and others in the international community to encourage Burma's generals to heed the Secretary General's and the Council's recommendations and hope that others in the international community - particularly Burma's neighbors - will work with us in this regard. End building blocks. CLINTON