VZCZCXRO7790
PP RUEHBZ RUEHCHI RUEHCN RUEHDT RUEHHM
DE RUCNDT #1028/01 3192234
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 152234Z NOV 07
FM USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3115
INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS
RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 2939

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 USUN NEW YORK 001028 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL UNSC BM PHUM
SUBJECT:  SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING ON BURMA 
 
Summary 
------------ 
 
¶1. (SBU)  In a public meeting of the Security Council 
November 13, Special Adviser Ibrahim Gambari discussed his 
November 3-8 trip to Burma.  He listed positive developments 
in Burma leading up to his visit, including the withdrawal of 
visible military presence, the release of some detainees, and 
the appointment of a liaison officer to Aung Sun Suu Kyi 
(ASSK).  He also highlighted further developments resulting 
from his recent visit, most importantly ASSK's public 
statement, her meeting with NLD leaders, and an open 
invitation for Gambari to return to Burma as needed.  He 
recounted regional views, which supported Gambari and 
identified the good offices as the "central track" for 
international engagement, adding that all countries in the 
region considered sanctions counter-productive.  He urged the 
international community to consider the concerns of the 
Burmese government and listen to the views of ASSK, 
confirming that a process for dialogue was in motion. 
 
¶2.  (SBU)  All Security Council delegations supported Gambari 
and echoed his reference to progress made during his visit, 
although Amb Khalilzad warned against a "process for process' 
sake."  The Burmese PermRep (PR) urged the Council to refrain 
from any action, noting the significant progress in the 
country.  As ASEAN was unable to reach consensus on a 
statement, the Singaporean PR, in his national statement, 
cautioned the international community against precipitate 
moves, unreasonable timelines, and unrealistic expectations. 
The Indonesian PR noted that ASEAN will sign its charter, 
which included a portion on human rights and democracy, at 
the upcoming ASEAN Summit, and that ASEAN expected each 
country to honor the charter.  Sanctions, Chinese PR Wang 
claimed, would further complicate and undermine the dialogue 
and reconstruction process.  He reiterated the Chinese view 
that the issue does not belong in the Security Council but 
that China - in its own way - stood ready to work with other 
members on the issue.  In closed consultations following the 
public meeting, China refused to support adoption of a 
Presidential Statement, citing its "principled stand" that 
the issue should not be handled by the Security Council.  Amb 
Wolff argued forcefully that the Council must make clear its 
views on the latest developments in order to send the right 
signal to Burma, the region, and the international community. 
 On November 14, the Council agreed to issue a press 
statement, welcoming positive developments but deploring 
ongoing detentions and recent arrests.  (Text in para 13). 
 
Gambari Speaks to the Security Council 
--------------------------------------------- --- 
 
¶3. (SBU) Special Adviser for Myanmar Ibrahim Gambari reported 
that his November 3-8 trip to Burma focused on following-up 
and facilitating the recommendations made during his previous 
visit.  Gambari listed positive developments since his 
September trip -- the withdrawal of all visible military 
presence, the release of over 2,700 detainees, and the 
appointment of Labor Minister Aung Kyi as a liaison -- and 
highlighted positive results of the recent visit, including 
Aung Sun Suu Kyi's (ASSK) public statement, which was 
conveyed through Gambari, and her meeting with the Central 
Executive Committee of the NLD.  He said that the Burmese 
invited him back "again and again and again," assured Gambari 
that the government would release more detainees, that in 
principle the ICRC would have access to detainees, and that 
the junta agreed to "consider the possibility of establishing 
a broad-based poverty alleviation commission."  While 
recounting those with whom he met, Gambari noted that nearly 
all of his meetings were h 
held in the military capital Naypyitaw.  He conveyed Burmese 
concerns that Burma expected the international community to 
recognize any positive steps the regime took in cooperation 
with the UN and that "Security Council action and punitive 
measure adopted by Member States vis--vis Myanmar run 
contrary to the (Burmese) Government's expectations in this 
regard." 
 
¶4. (SBU) Gambari reported that during consultations with 
leaders in the region, he found most countries broadly 
supportive of the good offices mission and willing to engage 
Burma on cooperating with the UN.  He noted that all 
countries in the region identified the UN good offices as the 
"central track for the international community's approach" 
and that other efforts should support the good offices. 
(Comment:  This emphasis is designed to discourage other 
envoys from detracting from his efforts.  End Comment.) 
While recognizing the international community's role in 
assisting Burma to address its humanitarian and economic 
issues, Gambari stated that all countries in the region 
consider sanctions "counter-productive."  He asked that the 
 
USUN NEW Y 00001028  002 OF 004 
 
 
international community "carefully consider" Burmese concerns 
as well as the views of ASSK and other relevant parties, 
confirming that a process was in motion, which would 
hopefully lead to substantive dialogue within an agreed 
timeframe and concrete outcomes between the State Peace and 
Development Council (SPDC) and ASSK.  He cautioned that the 
dialogue would require flexibility on all sides, but that he 
was "convinced this is the only way forward."  Before 
concluding, Gambari reiterated his view that the good offices 
mission was a process not an event, which required a 
comprehensive approach.  He affirmed that the good offices 
must yield tangible results and requested that those who can 
help should be encouraged to contribute to resolving Burma's 
issues. 
 
¶5. (SBU) Burma's PR Swe praised Gambari on his successful 
mission, especially in view of the "unwarranted pressures by 
some quarters to hasten his visit to Myanmar."  He listed 
positive developments in the country since Gambari's first 
visit, including the return of peace and stability, complete 
lifting of the curfew, and as of November 7 the release of 
2,836 of those detained in September's unrest leaving only 91 
in custody.  (Note:  Burmese monks attending the open debate 
reacted loudly to this statement but were quickly hushed by 
UN guards.)  He touted the 54-member committee selected to 
draft a new constitution as a notable accomplishment in 
addition to the appointment of Labor Minister Aung Kyi as a 
liaison officer.  He added that ASSK, in the interest of the 
nation, was ready to cooperate with the government to make 
dialogue a success and to that end met with senior members of 
the NLD.  After their meeting, he said, NLD Spokesman Nyan 
Win stated that ASSK believed "the Government was serious and 
really 
willing to work for national reconciliation."  Considering 
the significant progress in Burma, he continued, some 
continue to express criticism and skepticism.  He urged the 
council to refrain from taking any action, commenting that 
Burma was not a situation posing any threat to regional peace 
and security.  "Council members who see things the way they 
are, we thank you," he concluded. 
 
Council Members and Interested Parties React 
--------------------------------------------- ----------- 
 
¶6. (SBU) As ASEAN could not reach consensus on a statement, 
Singapore PR Menon made a statement in his national capacity, 
hailing Gambari as "unique and irreplaceable" and noting that 
"to date, no one has done better than Mr. Gambari."  PR Menon 
voiced concern for Burma's decision to end UNDP Resident 
Coordinator Petrie's assignment, called for the release of 
political prisoners, and "hoped the Myanmar government will 
release ASSK immediately and unconditionally."  Singapore 
echoed Gambari's list of positive developments and focused on 
the role of Mr. Gambari and the good offices mission, 
requesting that international community "respect the views" 
of ASSK and support the good offices mission.  PR Menon noted 
that there are no quick fixes and cautioned the international 
community against precipitate moves, unreasonable timelines, 
and unrealistic expectations.  Mr. Gambari will attend the 
East Asia Summit, he added, which can only strengthen the 
good offices mission. 
 
¶7. (SBU) Indonesian PR Natalegawa "appreciated" the 
acknowledgement of the role of ASEAN and recalled the 
September 27 ASEAN statement that called for national 
reconciliation in Burma.  He noted that ASEAN will sign its 
charter, which included a portion on human rights and 
democracy, at the upcoming ASEAN Summit and that ASEAN 
expected each country to honor the charter.  PR Natalegawa 
reiterated Indonesia's support for Mr. Gambari and the good 
offices mission and stated Indonesia's strong commitment to 
"attain the noble goal" in Burma both bilaterally and within 
ASEAN. 
 
¶8. (SBU) Other Security Council delegations unanimously 
highlighted the positive aspects of the visit outlined in 
Gambari's report to the Council and many referenced the 
upcoming ASEAN Summit, looking to ASEAN to provide additional 
support to Gambari and his mandate.  Chinese PR Wang stated 
that the political process was on the right track and 
mentioned "Rome was not built in one day."  He listed three 
essential issues in Burma:  improving the lives of the people 
(economic development); encouraging ethnic harmony; and 
expanding the political parties and the rule of law.  PR Wang 
called on the international community to support ASEAN in 
playing a constructive role and requested that ASEAN continue 
to assist Burma "as a family member."  Sanctions, Wang 
claimed, would further complicate and undermine the dialogue 
and reconstruction process.  He reiterated the Chinese view 
that the issue does not belong in the Security Council but 
that China - in its own way - stood ready to work with other 
 
USUN NEW Y 00001028  003 OF 004 
 
 
members on the issue. 
 Russia agreed that outside threats would only hinder 
progress but called on Burmese leaders to take further steps, 
including addressing the terms of ASSK's house arrest. 
 
¶9. (SBU) Ambassador Khalilzad stated that while the positive 
developments are welcome, they did not represent a 
fundamental shift in the regime.  He called for dialogue to 
begin as early as possible without preconditions.  There must 
be a stop to ongoing arrests and detentions, he continued, 
and an immediate released of all political detainees and 
prisoners, including ASSK.  He stated that in order for there 
to be meaningful dialogue, ASSK must be free to consult 
broadly with her party and with ethnic minorities.  Gambari 
must also maintain control of his itinerary while in Burma, 
he said, in order to carry out his mandate.  Ambassador 
Khalilzad said that in order to retain the support of the 
international community, this engagement must gain momentum 
and show results, since "a process for process' sake will not 
be acceptable." 
 
¶10. (SBU) European countries echoed U.S. sentiment, noting 
positive developments in Burma while highlighting outstanding 
issues, which had not been addressed by the regime.  Each 
also commented positively on the appointment of EU Envoy 
Fassino.  The UK PR Sawers said that while the small steps 
forward could be the beginning of a successful process, they 
could also "be a false dawn" and the Council should remain 
focused on the issue.  Belgian PR Verbeke said that the 
international mobilization must continue and all eyes were on 
ASEAN as the Summit approaches.  French PR Ripert noted that 
the international community must be ready to react positively 
to developments in Burma, proposing a "trust fund" for 
humanitarian and development projects.  South Africa, Panama, 
Peru, Congo, Ghana, Qatar, each gave statements of support 
for Gambari and his good offices mission.  Japan also asked 
to speak and expressed support for the UN role. 
 
Chinese Refuse PRST 
-------------------------- 
 
¶11. (SBU) In closed consultations after the Security Council 
meeting, Chinese PR Wang was adamant that China would not 
support a Presidential Statement (PRST) on the situation, 
reverting to China's longstanding position that the Security 
Council is not the appropriate forum for the Burma.  Other 
Council members, including the UK and France, bowed to 
Chinese pressure.  Amb Wolff argued that a written statement 
making clear the unity of Council views,vice various press 
interpretations and 15 national statements, would ensure that 
Burma, the region, and the international community understood 
Council resolve.  Gambari, when asked his view, helpfully 
stressed the need for Council unity and the need for support 
of good offices mission.  Noting that the October 11 PRST had 
played a useful role in his most recent visit, Gambari said 
that he hoped to be going to Burma "again and again," quoting 
a Burmese official.  While it may be appropriate in the 
future to reconsider the form of Council reaction after his 
trips, 
in his view the Council had not/not reached that point. 
 
¶12. (SBU) Despite the debate over form, Council members 
expressed support for proposed elements previously circulated 
by Indonesia, the current President of the Council.  At the 
conclusion of the November 13 meeting, Indonesian PR 
Natalegawa spoke to the press, drawing from those elements. 
Following additional U.S. diplomacy, the Council agreed to 
issue a press statement based on those elements. 
 
¶13. (SBU) Text of the press statement. 
 
Security Council Press Statement on Myanmar 
 
The members of the Security Council welcome the follow-up 
mission of the Secretary-General's Special Advisor to 
Myanmar, Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, and reaffirm their support for 
the continued efforts of the Secretary-General and his 
Special Adviser.  They reaffirm the expectations of the 
Security Council as set out in its Presidential Statement of 
11 October 2007. 
 
The members of the Security Council welcome the recent 
positive developments in Myanmar, including the release of 
some detainees, the contacts between Minister Aung Kyi as 
liaison officer and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and the decision to 
allow Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to meet with key members of her 
National League for Democracy Party. 
 
The members of the Security Council welcome the statement by 
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivered by Mr. Gambari on 8 November, 
including the expectation that a "meaningful and timebound 
 
USUN NEW Y 00001028  004 OF 004 
 
 
dialogue" will start as soon as possible.  In this context, 
they encourage all sides to create the conditions for such a 
dialogue, including by making use of the good offices role of 
the UN to facilitate this dialogue. 
 
The members of the Security Council deplore the fact that 
many prisoners are still in jail and new arrests have 
occurred. They express concern as regards the fate of 
protesters arrested during recent demonstrations that are 
still unaccounted for.  They call on authorities to allow 
access for humanitarian assistance organizations to 
facilitate humanitarian assistance to persons in need 
throughout the country. In this context, they welcome the 
agreement to the visit of Special Envoy Pinheiro, and access 
to detainees for the International Committee of the Red 
Cross. 
 
The members of the Security Council stress the need for the 
Government of Myanmar to create conditions for dialogue and 
reconciliation by relaxing, as a first step, the conditions 
of detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and by pursuing the 
release of political prisoners and detainees. 
 
The members of the Security Council acknowledge the important 
role ASEAN countries continue to play in supporting a 
peaceful transition to democracy, and supporting the UN's 
good offices mission.  They stresses the importance of the 
forthcoming ASEAN Summit. 
 
The members of the Security Council look forward to the 
earliest possible return of Mr. Gambari to Myanmar, as 
foreseen in his statement of 13 November.  They reaffirm that 
Mr. Gambari's mission is a process and should bring tangible 
progress, and underline the need for the Government of 
Myanmar to cooperate fully with the UN. 
 
The members of the Security Council confirm their intention 
to keep developments in Myanmar under close review. 
 
End Text. 
 
 
Khalilzad