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