REGIME FAILS TO LOBBY THE UNITED STATES ( Kao-Wao ) March 8, 2003

Kao Wao Newsletter

REGIME FAILS TO LOBBY THE UNITED STATES

(Kao-Wao, March 8, 2003)

According to sources from Washington D.C, the Burmese military regimefailed last year to improve its ties with the United States and get "certified" for its anti-narcotics programs, but it wasn't for lack of a solid effort by its lobbyists, DCI Associates.

DCI's filings with the Justice Department offers an unusual glimpse into the efforts by the Rangoon junta. DCI lobbyists, featuring Charles Francis, a longtime family friend of the Bushes, ran a sophisticated campaign to improve the regime's image and steer the conversation away from its rampant human rights abuses and such.

Francis, a prominent Republican, even set up two meetings with White House >National Security Council Southeast Asia director Karen B. Brooks -- an unusual feat given that Burma is under U.S. sanctions and its top officials are barred from coming here -- to tout Burma's cooperation on anti-drug, HIV/AIDs and anti-terrorism efforts and in finding the remains of U.S. soldiers from World War II.

Francis, along with Barry M. Broman, a retired U.S. government employee who was stationed in Rangoon, lobbied lawmakers and staff on the Hill, including Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) and Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.), as well as Defense Department officials and think-tankers such as former U.N. ambassador Jeane J. Kirkpatrick.

The campaign was on the verge of success, the State Department was about to certify the regime, but the administration backed off amid pressure from the Hill, human rights groups and the media.

DCI's work for Burma, which was to last a year, ended shortly after the debacle. According to the source, the Burmese regime, who paid DCI $340,000 for eight months of work, are looking for another lobby firm.