BAN BRIEFS THE UNSC ON JULY 3-4 TRAVEL TO BURMA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 USUN NEW YORK 000689 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL UNSC BM SUBJECT: BAN BRIEFS THE UNSC ON JULY 3-4 TRAVEL TO BURMA REF: A. USUN 670 ¶B. STATE 72110 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. In an open session of the Security Council on July 13, Secretary-General Ban said he was "deeply disappointed" in the regime's refusal to allow a visit with Aung Sun Suu Kyi (ASSK). However, he added that he was able to convey key recommendations, including the release of all political prisoners, resumption of dialogue and creation of an environment conducive to inclusive elections, directly to Senior General Than Shwe. Ban told the regime that they can either respond to his recommendations or fail the Burmese people and the international community. Burmese Permanent Representative Swe replied that Burma intends to implement "all appropriate" recommendations, including granting amnesty to prisoners to participate in 2010 elections and reiterated that elections would be "free and fair." Swe said the regime's two main priorities include the handover of power after 2010 elections to civilian authorities and building a base for socio-economic development, which were conveyed to the SYG. Swe said the Special Court could not allow Ban to meet with ASSK, even though Senior General Than Shwe wanted him to, and claimed that undue pressure is not conducive to Burma's "home-grown political process." ¶2. (SBU) (Summary cont.) Ambassador DiCarlo challenged the regime to implement all of Ban's recommendations and engage credibly with the international community. Council members reiterated unanimous support for the SYG's efforts and his good offices mission, and most pressed the regime to respond positively to the SYG's recommendations. Many expressed disappointment with the regime's decision to refuse a meeting between Ban and ASSK. Several members identified upcoming elections as a critical next step and pressed the regime to translate assurances for free and fair elections into concrete actions. The UK and France commented on the need for further Council action if the Burmese do not engage Ban's recommendations or there is a "bad outcome" from ASSK's trial. China claimed the "Western style" would not resolve the country's problems and said the international community should lead with more assistance and less arrogance. End Summary. Secretary-General Ban's Travel to Burma ¶3. (SBU) Secretary-General Ban said that Burma was at a critical juncture and the regime must engage on concerns that "cannot be left unaddressed." He said that the regime's refusal to allow him to see Aung Sun Suu Kyi (ASSK) was a "deep disappointment" and a "major lost opportunity" for Burma. Ban said that, during his meeting with Senior General Than Shwe, he was able to discuss the need for Burma to take meaningful steps on the five point agenda and important humanitarian issues. Ban's focus was on the release of all political prisoners, resumption of dialogue and creating conditions conducive to credible elections. He said that during meetings with ethnic cease-fire groups, he encouraged constructive engagement in dialogue, adding that every stakeholder has a role and responsibility. ¶4. (SBU) Ban attributed progress in the Delta to the Tripartite Core Group and pressed for the expedited issuance of outstanding visas and broader assistance, commenting that there is no justification for the government to allow humanitarian access to some, but not all. Ban stressed the importance of broad-based engagement with the country adding that peace and security are directly effected by socio-economic conditions. On elections, Ban said Senior General Than Shwe assured him they would be inclusive, free and fair. Ban said he urged the Senior General to translate those assurances into clear, concrete action. Ban welcomed the recent G-8 statement on Burma and added that support from the region and the international community is "even more important and necessary." Ban said that the regime has a choice, they can either respond to his recommendations or fail the Burmese people and the international community. Burmese Response ¶5. (SBU) Burmese PR Swe said the Burmese authorities did their "utmost to accommodate" the SYG's requests, except for the meeting with ASSK. He stressed that Than Shwe "thoroughly explained" Burma's recent political developments, including the country's two priority areas, which are the hand over of State power to civilian rule after 2010 elections and building a foundation for future socio-economic development. PR Swe reiterated Burma's intention to hold free, fair, and credible elections. Regarding Ban's inability to meet with ASSK, Swe said that the Senior General was willing to arrange the meeting, but suggested that it was USUN NEW Y 00000689 002 OF 003 the Special Court which could not allow Ban's visit, saying it might unfairly "influence the judgment." On socio-economic development, Swe said that some countries have imposed sanctions instead of providing assistance, which hinders development and "mainly impacts grass-roots level people." ¶6. (SBU) Swe said that the government intends to implement "all appropriate recommendations" recommended by SYG Ban. He said Burma will grant amnesty to prisoners so they can participate in the election, though he did not provide further clarity on timing or who would be released. Swe said the government plans on cooperating with the UN in agriculture, fisheries and livestock, as well as elections -- if technical assistance is necessary. Swe added that the political party registration law and the election law will be enacted "in due time," stressing the complex challenges facing Burma, given its "multi-ethnic and multi religion" population. He said that undue pressure is not conducive to the country's "home-grown political process" and added that the issue is not a matter for the Security Council. P-5 Reactions ¶7. (SBU) P-5 reactions to Ban's briefing largely reflected comments made in the July 8 Group of Friends meeting (ref A), with the exception of China. Chinese DPR Liu praised Ban's "rich and influential" visit and Senior General Than Shwe's willingness to receive the SYG twice. He said that ASSK is in the midst of a legal proceeding in accordance with the Burmese judicial process and that the UN should respect the judicial sovereignty of its member states. The problems of Burma are multi-faceted, he continued, not about "one person." Liu also said that Ban's engagement was critical in assisting the regime to move toward elections, which represent step five on the regime's seven-step roadmap. He said that it is "unfair to turn a blind eye to progress" and instead to "pick at the government," suggesting that the international community should lead with more help and "less arrogance." Liu remarked that social and economic development -- not the "Western style" -- are the only methods to address the country's problems. Liu also commented that "some" could lift sanctions to enable economic development. Finally, Liu reiterated that the situation in Burma is a domestic issue that should not be in the Council and has no place on the Council's agenda. Russian DPR Dolgov, in a relatively measured intervention, raised the need for "time and patience" but said that Russia expects that assurances of a free and fair election would be translated into concrete steps by the regime. ¶8. (SBU) Ambassador DiCarlo delivered reftel points (ref B), challenging the regime to implement all the SYG's recommendations and to engage credibly with its own people, the UN, and the international community. She reminded the regime that the United States is ready to respond to genuine progress by the regime toward democratic reform. French PR Ripert and UK DPR Parham both commented that the Council would be obligated to respond to the regime's inaction on the SYG's recommendations or a "bad outcome" from ASSK's trial. Ripert added that Council unity is important, but not at the expense of progress in Burma. Asian Perspective ¶9. (SBU) Japanese PR Takasu and Vietnamese DPR Trung also reiterated comments from the Group of Friends meeting (ref A). Takasu added that Ban is one of the few who can directly convey messages to the most senior leadership and his visit was "useful and necessary." He said the regime should follow words with deeds and "take appropriate action" in response to Ban's recommendations. Vietnamese DPR Trung said the Burmese PR Swe's commitment to grant amnesty to prisoners should be considered the first concrete step toward reform. The EU, Latin America and Africa ¶10. (SBU) Austria, Croatia and Turkey all voiced strong support for Ban and his "courageous decision" to travel to Burma and disappointment that the regime refused to allow Ban to meet with ASSK. Austrian PR Mayr-Harting pressed for the release of all political prisoners as elections approach. He noted that thousands of Burmese refugees were fleeing to neighboring states, which "does not bode well for democracy" and called on the regime to act on the SYG's recommendations. He also said that the UN could assist Burma in eliminating its opium production. Croatian DPR Vilovic welcomed the SYG's ability to convey important messages to the regime. Both Vilovic and Turkish DPR Corman said they hoped the authorities would translate assurances of inclusive elections USUN NEW Y 00000689 003 OF 003 to concrete action. Corman added that 2010 elections would be a "critical test." He also said that the Burmese should heed the appeals of the international community and that all parties should seize the opportunity, which elections represent, to find national reconciliation and peace. ¶11. (SBU) Costa Rican PR Urbina remarked that if the Burmese authorities show sincere progress toward political change, Costa Rica is open to considering a "gradual change" in sanctions and willing to "open doors and build bridges." He said that while ASSK is not the only parameter by which success can be measured, she is a barometer to gauge the behavior of the regime. Mexican PR Heller said that elections were aimed at facilitating a peaceful transition in Burma and the UN and international community is watching the authorities closely. ¶12. (SBU) Burkina Faso, Uganda and Libya called for the release of political prisoners and also called on the regime to create conditions for free and fair elections. Burkinabe PR Kafando pressed the regime to adopt election-related legislation and accept the assistance of the international community as well as the UN. Kafando also called on the Burmese to facilitate the national economic forum. Libyan DPR Dabbashi regretted Ban's inability to meet with ASSK, despite the regime's explanation, and encouraged further cooperation with the UN and ASEAN to "bring about results." RICE