EURO-BURMA NETWORK ENCOURAGES PRESSURE ON EU

C O N F I D E N T I A L USEU BRUSSELS 001343 SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D COPY TEXT FOR EAP/MLS:LSCHEIBE AND EUR/ERA:RWOLFE E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/01/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV ETTC BU EUN SUBJECT: EURO-BURMA NETWORK ENCOURAGES PRESSURE ON EU REF: STATE 100518 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Christopher Murray for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY. Representatives from the Euro-Burma Network during a September 29 meeting with the Charge, lauded the recent Burma policy review and encouraged the U.S. to continue to lead coordination with the EU. The delegation was concerned that the EU will now attempt to lift sanctions and focus on elections without pressuring the regime to loosen military control. We may wish to stay in close contact with the EU as we develop the practical implications of the policy review. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Mark Farmaner, Director of the Burma Campaign UK, welcomed the Secretary's announcement that the U.S. will begin direct dialogue with Burmese authorities. He stressed that "engagement has to be with Than Shwe or it is worthless." Voicing similar concerns, Debbie Stothard, Coordinator, Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma, further noted that pressure on the regime must remain strong. She said that in order to hinder the regime's ability to use the announcement for its own propaganda, both U.S. and EU public statements need to state that engagement does not equate to removal of sanctions. The Charge explained that our ultimate goal of a prosperous, democratic Burma remains, and that existing sanctions will continue in place until we see progress. In response, Farmaner suggested that the U.S. announce a specific timeline to measure this pro EU's approach. Meanwile, our EU contacts have told us that they aQe very eager for every detail regarding thQ policy review. As it stands, EU Burma sanctions are scheduled to expire on April 30, 2010.Keeping the EU informed often and early of the ning/rolling back our sanctions unilaterally will help to influence the EU's own discuss)on on sanctions and political developments in Buma. END COMMENT. MURRAY .