Cablegate: Keeping Pressure On the Burmese Regime

VZCZCXYZ0009
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHWR #2043 2751547
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 021547Z OCT 07
FM AMEMBASSY WARSAW
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5276

UNCLAS WARSAW 002043

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

EAP/MLS BURMA DESK AARON COPE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM BM PL
SUBJECT: KEEPING PRESSURE ON THE BURMESE REGIME

REF: STATE 137644

Entire text is Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU).

1. (SBU) Poloff met October 2 with Beata Stoczynska, Acting
Director, and Krzysztof Ciebien, Minister Counsellor from the
Asia-Pacific Department of the MFA to deliver reftel points
on Burma. Stoczynska confirmed that Poland is pushing within
the framework of the EU to keep pressure on the Burmese
regime to guarantee the population's human rights, and to
secure the release of Aun Sun Suu Kyi. Meetings are currently
taking place within the COREPER channels. Stoczynska did not
expect any further action before the October 15 GAERC meeting
in Brussels, where Burma is one of the leading topics for
foreign ministers. Sanctions are on the agenda of the GAERC
meeting, however, Stoczynska expressed Polish concerns that
tightening sanctions not hurt the general population.

2. (SBU) Ciebien also emphasized the need to put pressure on
neighboring countries to help stop the violence. They asked
for up-to-date information on the situation, as the GOP does
not have representation in Burma. Ciebien wished to know the
USG opinion regarding other ASEAN countries' willingness to
maintain pressure on Rangoon. Ciebien also asked what the
U.S. position would be if Burma were to withdraw from ASEAN.

3. (U) The Polish MFA issued a statement on Burma on
September 27 decrying the Burmese authorities' violence
against peaceful protestors. The Polish statement endorses
EU efforts concerning Burma, and urges an immediate process
of national reconciliation to restore democracy and human
rights.
HILLAS

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