US embassy cable - 05RANGOON739

UNCLAS RANGOON 000739 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR EAP/BCLTV; PACOM FOR FPA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, PHUM, PREL, BM, NLD, ASSK 
SUBJECT: BURMA: NLD FAITHFUL TURN OUT FOR ASSK'S 60TH 
BIRTHDAY 
 
REF: A. SECSTATE 114210 
     B. 04 RANGOON 779 
 
1. Summary: An estimated 700 persons attended the function 
sponsored by the National League for Democracy (NLD) to honor 
the 60th birthday of Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK).  Although there 
was a heavy security presence on the street outside NLD 
headquarters, the event passed peacefully.  A few embassies, 
the U.N., some NGOs, and several reporters were present. 
Some NLD members who went to worship at Shwe Dagon Pagoda 
were hassled.  End Summary. 
 
2. The NLD organized an event at its Rangoon headquarters on 
June 19 in honor of the 60th birthday of pro-democracy icon 
Aung San Suu Kyi, who herself remains incommunicado under 
house arrest.  The NLD was prepared for about 300 
participants, but were delighted that around 700 supporters 
turned up.  The headquarters was packed with people and many 
more listened to the program on the sidewalk outside.  After 
first releasing helium balloons and doves, there were several 
speeches, including an address by NLD Chairman U Aung Shwe 
and another by the Chair for the Committee for Women's 
Affairs, Nang Khin Htwe Myint, NLD MP-elect from Pa-an, Karen 
State  (Note: In 1999 the NLD declared ASSK's birthday as 
Burma Women's Day.  In response, that same year the SPDC 
established a counter Myanmar Women's Day to be held on July 
3, apparently unaware that July 3 is also ASSK's birthday 
according to the Burmese calendar.  End Note.) 
 
3. GOB security was very visible with policemen standing in 
the street, roving police jeeps patrolling the approach 
roads, and a battery of photographers with video and still 
cameras recording the images of party members and dignitaries 
alike. 
 
4. The U.S. Embassy was represented by the poloff and spouse, 
who delivered an envelope containing statements by President 
Bush, a letter to ASSK from Sec. Rice (ref A), the State 
Department's press statement, and other media releases on the 
occasion of ASSK's birthday, as well as a basket bouquet 60 
yellow roses.  (Note: Yellow, or more specifically saffron, 
is the NLD's official color and the color that ASSK 
frequently wears.  End Note.)  All four EU countries with 
embassies in Rangoon (France, Germany, Italy and the U.K.) 
were represented, and in the absence of the U.N. Resident 
Coordinator, the FAO representative, a Chinese national, was 
on hand to represent the U.N.  A few NGO representatives were 
also present.  Media stringers (Burmese) were present with 
cameras and tape recorders clearly visible. 
 
5. Other activities during the day included a religious 
service held by the so called "veteran politician group" 
whose 89-year-old leader, Thakin Thein Pe, shares the same 
birthday as ASSK.  Some NLD members reportedly went to Shwe 
Dagon Pagoda wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the words 
"Freedom from Fear," the title of one of ASSK's books.  They 
were asked by the pagoda authorities to change before they 
were allowed to proceed to the main platform.  Some tried to 
give donations in the name of ASSK, but were told they could 
not do so.  (Note: The names of donors are usually broadcast 
by loudspeaker to the general public, so donations given in 
ASSK's name would be clearly heard by all the worshipers.) 
 
6. Comment: Indications are that the public was generally 
aware that June 19 was ASSK's 60th birthday.  Beefed up 
security near ASSK's house and other strategic areas served 
as a timely reminder.  However, aside from the political 
gatherings mentioned, people quietly went about their daily 
lives and did not appear to engage in activities that might 
raise the suspicion of the authorities.  End Comment. 
McMullen