This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS RANGOON 001627
SIPDIS
PASS TO S/CT AND FOR TTIC
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PTER ASEC BM
SUBJECT: BURMA: 2004 ANNUAL TERRORISM REPORT
1. Embassy Rangoon's submission for the annual
terrorism report follows. Post will update the final
section of this short statement when GOB provides
requested information.
Burma
Burma maintained its solid position against
international terrorism in 2004. The regime
previously enacted an anti-money laundering law that
could help block terrorist assets if and when fully
implemented. The military government is fighting
several low-intensity conflicts against ethnic
insurgents.
The junta has occasionally sought to portray
insurgent attacks against infrastructure such as
bridges and pipelines as terrorism, but there were no
known acts of international terrorism during 2004.
Several improvised explosive devices exploded or were
discovered in various locations in Burma in 2004.
There were no credible claims of responsibility for
these acts. In December an improvised explosive
device exploded in Rangoon, injuring one person. The
perpetrators' identity and motives are unclear.
According to United Nations information, Burma is
party to or a signatory of nine of the 12
international conventions and protocols relating to
terrorism.
2. This additional information is keyed to para 15
of reftel.
a. GOB has cooperated in various counter-terrorism
and security issues, such as continuing to keep
closed the major street fronting the chancery and by
providing armed police at the chancery and other
embassy facilities.
b. see above
c. none
d. n/a
e. The GOB has fairly well developed human and
technical surveillance capabilities focused primarily
on the domestic political opposition and insurgent
groups.
f. The GOB maintains stringent border controls along
its border with Bangladesh in a region alleged to be
of interest to extremist groups from South Asia.
g. none
h. Previous border control joint unit known as
NaSaKa has reportedly been disbanded for alleged
corruption and is being replaced by separate units of
police, immigration, and customs officials.
i. none
j. GOB counter-insurgency forces operate on the Thai
and Indian borders.
k. none
l. n/a
m. none
n. none
o. none
p. none
q. none
r. none
MARTINEZ