Cablegate: Brunei Supports Asean Statement On Assk Conviction But

VZCZCXRO2076
RR RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM RUEHNH
DE RUEHBD #0191 2260047
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 140047Z AUG 09
FM AMEMBASSY BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4610
RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI

UNCLAS BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 000191

SENSTIIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/MLS/SCHEIBEL, EAP/MTS/COPPOLAMG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL BX
SUBJECT: BRUNEI SUPPORTS ASEAN STATEMENT ON ASSK CONVICTION BUT
WILL NOT SPEAK OUT ON THEIR OWN

REF: SECSTATE 83598

BRUNEI NOT SPEAKING OUT ON THEIR OWN
------------------------------------
1. (SBU) Per Reftel, Charg delivered demarche to Sheikh Fadillah,
Director, Political Affairs I, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
(MFAT). Fadillah stated that Government of Brunei (GoB) fully
supports the ASEAN Chair's statement on Burma and the conviction of
Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK). He noted that the GoB would not be making a
public statement on the conviction at this time. Fadillah said if a
meeting on Burma was called by ASEAN, the GOB would attend. The GoB
does not believe a meeting is forthcoming. Charg noted that the
U.S. is deeply concerned that the conviction sets back USG and other
nations' efforts to engage with Burma. Fadillah responded the GoB
is pleased with the US offer to further engage with Burma, as noted
by SecState Clinton in Phuket. He also stated the GoB does
understand the ASSK conviction is a significant hindrance to the USG
diplomatic efforts in this regard.

MCINTYRE

© Scoop Media