Defeating the G-4 Framework Resolution on UN

C O N F I D E N T I A L DAR ES SALAAM 001477 SIPDIS TAGS: UN UNSC PREL TZ SUBJECT: Defeating the G-4 Framework Resolution on UN Reform: Tanzanian Response REF: a) State 132429; b) State 137602; c) Dar es Salaam 1405 Classified by: Charge d'Affaires D. Purnell Delly. Reasons: 1.4 (c) and (d) ¶1. (C) On Tuesday evening, July 26, CDA spoke to Foreign Minister (and likely next President) Jakaya Kikwete, urging Tanzania to oppose or at least abstain on any G-4 resolution on UNSC reform for reasons stated ref B. Kikwete "took note" of the U.S. position, and said he would consult within his government and get back to us. ¶2. (C) Charge raised the issue again on Sunday, July 31 (in the course of delivering an unrelated demarche),and there were signs that going directly to the Foreign Minister may have opened a crack of daylight in the Tanzanian position. MFA Permanent Secretary Luhanjo had earlier indicated politely but firmly that, at a minimum, the GOT would continue to solidly back permanent seats for Africa (ref c). However, when CDA raised UNSC reform again with the Luhanjo on Sunday, the Permanent Secretary was not quite so sure of Tanzania's position. ¶3. (C) Luhanjo said Foreign Minister Kikwete had called him on the issue, and that while Tanzania still prefers to operate "under the AU umbrella" and does not believe Africa can accomplish reform unless united behind a single position, Tanzania is nevertheless open to "fresh thinking" on the matter. He said President Mkapa had not, in fact, decided on a definitive position yet, and Tanzania continued to hope for a UN reform proposal that engendered not division but rather enjoyed wide support and a chance of ultimate passage. ¶4. (C) Comment: We urge USUN to engage on Washington's offer to work with Tanzania and others "on a plan for expansion that has the broadest support and the most likely chance of success..." (ref b). Foreign Minister Kikwete warmed perceptibly to this offer. While we will continue to press the U.S. position with the talking points ref b, we welcome further guidance as developments unfold in New York. Foreign Minister (and likely next President) Kikwete is now engaged, and President Mkapa has not rendered a final decision on Tanzania's position. We sense an opening, albeit modest, to push our position and must take advantage of it. Delly