US embassy cable - 02RANGOON1167

UNCLAS RANGOON 001167 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, KPAO, BM, ASSK, Ethnics, NLD 
SUBJECT: PATRIOT DAY IN RANGOON 
 
1.  (U) Some 325 invited guests, including high-ranking GOB 
military and civilian officials, Aung San Suu Kyi and the 
senior NLD leadership, Muslim representatives, ethnic 
leaders, and about 100 resident American citizens gathered 
September 11 in downtown Rangoon to observe Patriot Day. 
COM Martinez presented a short address and read President 
Bush's Patriot Day announcement.  The MSG detachment posted 
the colors, a Kachin choir sang U.S. patriotic songs, and 
the gathering observed a minute of silence to honor the 
victims and heroes of the terrorist attacks. 
 
2.  (SBU) Following the 30-minute ceremony, invitees 
repaired to a reception hosted by DAO.  Aung San Suu Kyi's 
rare public appearance created a stir, particularly as the 
event also brought together senior military officers, ethnic 
leaders, religious clerics (including the spokesman of 
Burma's Shi'a community), the diplomatic corps, and business 
leaders.  GOB authorities worked closely with the hotel and 
RSO to provide excellent and unobtrusive security for the 
event.  Media coverage was good, and many resident Amcits 
voiced appreciation for being included.  COM drew on very 
helpful media talking points provided by PA for her remarks. 
 
3.  (SBU) This event, a successful, dignified commemoration 
of Patriot Day, also provided a much-needed venue to bring 
together Burmese of various political and ethnic persuasions 
who rarely have the opportunity to meet face-to-face.  ASSK 
told the COM that it was "wonderful" to meet with young 
attendees (e.g., the members of the Kachin choir) and also 
with many ambassadors who she said "rarely come close to 
me."  At one point several senior ethnic leader and Aung San 
Suu Kyi were conversing in a corner--we quickly scanned the 
room for the senior GOB representative (instant tripartite 
dialogue?) but he had unfortunately just departed.  Given 
the many compliments we received from numbers ambassadors 
and from ASSK on the excellent contact opportunities the 
event provided, post plans more such large public diplomacy 
events in the future.