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### Viewing cable 09RANGOON536, BURMA: SENATOR WEBB'S MEETING WITH PRIME

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Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
09RANGOON536 | 2009-08-17 11:11 | 2010-12-12 21:09 | SECRET | Embassy Rangoon

`

    VZCZCXRO4173
    OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM RUEHNH RUEHTRO
    DE RUEHGO #0536/01 2291149
    ZNY SSSSS ZZH
    O 171149Z AUG 09
    FM AMEMBASSY RANGOON
    TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9360
    INFO RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE
    RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE
    RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
    RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA 2233
    RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 5697
    RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 9299
    RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO 6880
    RUEHCHI/AMCONSUL CHIANG MAI 2291
    RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI
    RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 2671
    RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
    RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC

` `

    S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 RANGOON 000536

    SENSITIVE
    SIPDIS

    DEPT FOR EAP/MLS, DRL, AND IO
    PACOM FOR FPA

    E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/16/2019
    TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM BM
    SUBJECT: BURMA: SENATOR WEBB'S MEETING WITH PRIME
    MINISTER THEIN SEIN

    RANGOON 00000536 001.2 OF 004

    Classified By: P/E Chief Jennifer Harhigh for Reasons 1.4 (b) & (d)

    Summary
    -------

    ¶1. (S) During a one-hour meeting with Prime Minister Thein
    Sein on August 14, Senator Webb requested a meeting with Aung
    San Suu Kyi (ASSK) and urged her release from house arrest,
    noting the positive impact it would have on bilateral
    relations and Burma's standing in the world. The Senator
    also sought the release and deportation of detained American
    John Yettaw. Using classic regime rhetoric, the PM
    criticized sanctions as harming the economy and hindering
    democracy, and explained the regime's roadmap, promising
    free, fair and inclusive elections. That said, the Prime
    Minister made clear that Burma wants better relations with
    the U.S. as well as the ability to communicate directly with
    Washington; the regime has tapped Science and Technology
    Minister and former Ambassador to the U.S. U Thaung as a
    direct line to the GOB. The tone of the meeting was positive
    and cordial, with both Senator Webb and the Prime Minister
    citing the benefits that improved bilateral relations could
    offer if certain issues are resolved. End summary.

    Participants
    -------------

    ¶2. (U) Codel Webb's August 14 meeting with the Prime
    Minister and other GOB Ministers took place at Government
    House in Nay Pyi Taw, Burma. Participants included:

    Codel Webb:

    Senator Jim Webb
    Senate Professional Staff Member Marta Mclellan Ross
    Charge d'Affaires Larry Dinger
    DATT Colonel Brey Sloan
    Political/Economic Chief Jennifer Harhigh

    Burma:

    General Thein Sein, Prime Minister
    U Thaung, Minister of Science and Technology
    U Nyan Win, Minister of Foreign Affairs
    Brig. Gen. Kyaw San, Minister of Information (also spelled
    Kyaw Hsan)
    Maj. Gen. Khin Aung Myint, Minister of Culture
    Col. Thurein Zaw, Deputy Minister, Ministry of National
    Planning and Economic Development
    Col. Thant Shin, Chief of Staff, Office of the Prime Minister
    U Kyaw Kyaw, Director General, Protocol Department, MOFA
    U Ye Lwin (notetaker)

    Visit, Meeting with Head of State Can Enhance Bilateral
    Relationship
    --------------------------------------------- -----------

    ¶3. (C) PM Thein Sein greeted Senator Webb warmly, noting he
    is very impressed with the Senator's achievements. He said
    the GOB views the Senator's visit as a very important event,
    and noted that the meeting with Senior General Than Shwe,
    Burma's head of state, will help enhance the bilateral
    relationship. Senator Webb replied that despite the
    differences between the U.S. and Burmese governments, under
    the right conditions there can be a new road forward. He
    hopes for frank discussions. Senator Webb congratulated the
    government for taking a step forward and preparing for
    elections. Implementation of electoral laws would be an
    important signal to the world. With progress on those areas
    and the resolution of other issues, it will be possible to
    have a new dialogue. The Senator said he understands that
    Burma faces challenges and that stability in Burma's
    multi-ethnic state is a complicated issue. Webb said he has
    talked and written about the need for a new approach on
    sanctions with Burma, but noted that events in the last few
    months make any change in U.S. sanctions policy difficult.

    RANGOON 00000536 002.2 OF 004

    Senator Requests ASSK Meeting, Questions her Detention
    --------------------------------------------- ---------

    ¶4. (C) Senator Webb asked the PM to allow him to meet with
    ASSK as an important signal to the U.S. He questioned the PM
    why authorities believe it is necessary to continue ASSK's
    house arrest, adding that most of the world judges the GOB by
    how it treats ASSK.

    ¶5. (C) The PM replied that ASSK's trial is over and that
    the verdict was in accordance with the law. ASSK's legal
    status is purely a domestic issue. ASSK was given only the
    minimum sentence of three years. The SPDC halved that
    sentence, and she will be able to serve the remaining
    eighteen months at home. If she follows the rules, the
    sentence might be further reduced. The PM continued that
    UNSYG Ban was not allowed to meet ASSK because her trial was
    still underway during his July visit. The situation is
    different now, allowing the GOB to accommodate the Senator's
    request. Webb reiterated that he is interested in exploring
    "a new road" with Burma, and added that from the world's
    perspective, it will be very difficult to accept elections as
    "open" if ASSK is kept away from the public.

    Seeks Deportation of Detained Amcit
    -----------------------------------

    ¶6. (C) Senator Webb also requested the release and
    deportation of American John Yettaw as a goodwill gesture.
    He said he does not defend Yettaw's actions, but stressed the
    American's ill health. The PM replied that Yettaw has been
    punished according to his crimes. The GOB has procedures
    that it must follow in such cases, but he pledged that the
    government will consider the request positively.

    GOB Seeking Better Bilateral Relations
    --------------------------------------

    ¶7. (C) Turning to bilateral relations, the PM noted that
    the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1947,
    before Burma's independence. Vice-President Nixon visited in
    1958 and again in 1985. Ne Win had an official visit to
    Washington in 1966. Senators McCain and Kerry have visited.
    Burma received assistance from the U.S. before 1988 for
    counternarcotics, security cooperation, poppy eradication,
    education, health, and human resources. Post-Nargis, the
    U.S. provided generous emergency assistance, for which Burma
    is grateful. The GOB is trying to find remains of American
    WWII soldiers and repatriate them.

    ¶8. (S) Thein Sein stated that Burma believes in peaceful
    coexistence and strives for positive relations and good
    communications with all countries. In that regard, he
    continued, Burma has designated U Thaung, the Minister of
    Science and Technology and a former Ambassador to U.S.
    (present at the meeting), as the "communicator" for relations
    with Washington. The U.S. and Burma had very good relations
    before, the PM stated, and the GOB wants to engage in direct
    communication and dialogue. Efforts via UN SYG Ban and UN
    Special Envoy Gambari have not been direct, the PM said, and
    he urged Senator Webb to "please tell the U.S. Government"
    that Burma wants direct relations with the U.S. (Note:
    Separately, Director General for Protocol Kyaw Kyaw told the
    Charge that U Thaung can be available for direct conversation
    with Washington. End note.) The PM also proposed the two
    countries upgrade their representation to Ambassadors in both
    capitals.

    Stability, Security Shape Regime's Outlook
    ------------------------------------------

    ¶9. (C) The PM avoided polemics, but nevertheless repeated
    traditional regime rhetoric regarding Burma's diverse ethnic
    background and the resulting need for stability and security.
    The regime is doing its best to solve problems and educate

    RANGOON 00000536 003.2 OF 004

    the people about democratic practices, he said. The
    government must take an all-inclusive approach; the focus
    should not be on one individual or organization. Security,
    development, human rights, and democracy are all related.
    Burma must have security and stability for peace and
    tranquility, he stressed.

    PM Calls for Investment, Criticizes Sanctions
    ---------------------------------------------

    ¶10. (C) Turning to economics, the PM noted that the
    worldwide financial crisis and sanctions were taking a toll
    on Burma's economy. Burma has an agricultural base and
    produces enough rice to feed its people and export a surplus.
    However, beyond food security, Burma needs industrialization
    to develop. The country has natural resources, he stated,
    but needs outside investment and technology. Western
    sanctions create more poverty, hinder the development of
    democracy, and create hatred of the West. Economic
    development will lead to political stability and democracy.

    Elections Will be Free, Fair, Inclusive
    ---------------------------------------

    ¶11. (C) The PM explained the regime's "Roadmap to
    Democracy," saying Burma has learned the lesson of Iraq and
    Afghanistan: don't move toward democracy in haste. The
    constitution had been approved by 92.48 percent of the
    people. Planned elections in 2010 will be free, fair, and
    inclusive, he insisted. Political party and election laws
    will be issued soon. All "eligible" parties will be able to
    participate. The PM invited Senator Webb to return for
    another visit and to tell President Obama "we wish him very
    well."

    Senator Webb: U.S. and Burma Can Work Together
    --------------------------------------------- --

    ¶12. (C) Senator Webb responded by citing the Obama
    Administration Burma policy review and noting that he had had
    many discussions about Burma with then-Senators Clinton and
    Obama. He came to Burma now to help shift bilateral
    relations to a different path. The U.S. and Burma have all
    the ingredients for a natural friendship once certain issues
    are resolved. Both were colonized by the British, both have
    many nationalities. Diversity is a challenge but also a
    strength. The Senator said he is aware of the situation
    inside Burma since 1947, which has been complicated for a
    long time by China. U.S. and Burma can work together, and the
    U.S. can provide balance in the region.

    ¶13. (C) Senator Webb acknowledged the PM's point that a
    country needs development to foster democracy. He referred
    to Vietnam, where he had helped by serving as a bridge
    between the government and U.S.-based Vietnamese. He had
    observed parallels between Burma and Vietnam during his 2001
    personal visit to Burma. He noted that one of his friends
    had closed his business in Burma because of sanctions,
    putting people out of work. Burma's citizens could have a
    better life if relations were better. The Senator concluded
    by reiterating that the GOB must address a number of issues
    to gain the trust and support of the United States. The PM
    again thanked the Senator for visiting and added "we will
    consider your points."

    Biographic Note
    ---------------

    ¶14. (C) U Thaung is currently Minister for Science and
    Technology. He served as Ambassador to the U.S. from
    1991-1996, and has also served as Ambassador to Canada. He
    is a former Minister of Labor and Minister of Industry-1 and
    has held various GOB positions related to mining and
    industry. He reportedly graduated from the same Defense
    Service Academy class as Vice Senior General Maung Aye and is
    believed to have served with Senior General Than Shwe in the

    RANGOON 00000536 004.2 OF 004

    Psychological Warfare Department. Many observers consider
    him a regime insider with close ties to those two senior
    leaders.

    ¶15. (SBU) Codel Webb declined the opportunity to clear on
    this message.
    VAJDA

`