UNSC REFORM: DEMARCHE TO DJIBOUTI'S FM ON UN REFORM

C O N F I D E N T I A L DJIBOUTI 000713

SIPDIS

STATE FOR IO AND AF
LONDON/PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/27/2015
TAGS: PREL PGOV KUNR DJ UNSC UNGA
SUBJECT: UNSC REFORM: DEMARCHE TO DJIBOUTI'S FM ON UN REFORM

REF: SECSTATE 137602

Classified By: AMBASSADOR MARGUERITA D. RAGSDALE.
REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D).


1. (C) As instructed reftel, Ambassador conveyed 7/26 to
Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahmoud Ali Yousuf,
the U.S. position on the G-4 framework resolution on
expanding the United Nations Security Council. She went
through reftel points with the Minister and urged Djibouti to
oppose the resolution. She noted that the U.S. did not
support a vote on any UNSC resolution at this time. Should
the resolution come to a vote, she asked that Djibouti vote
against it or abstain.


2. (C) The Minister responded that he was aware of U.S.
opposition to the G-4 framework resolution and said Djibouti
"takes note of the American position." He stated that he
could not provide to the U.S. a Djiboutian position at this
point, but that a decision would be made in consultation with
others. He observed that Djibouti, a small country, has been
under enormous pressure on this issue from G-4 members --
through visits of delegations, through messages, through
phone calls -- and from "three" camps within the African
Union. He said he doubted the G-4 would be able to muster the
128 votes needed in the General Assembly to amend the UN
Charter.


3. (C) Speaking personally, Yousuf said he believes that any
reform of this kind would need to be taken in context with
overall U.N. reforms. At the same time, he added, it would
be unrealistic for member nations to think that they can move
ahead on issues broadly if they do not have the support of
the United States. Yousuf also expressed doubt reforms such
as these can move forward rapidly in the U.N.'s autumn
session. He expressed the belief that more time will be
needed for their maturity because of existing gaps in
positions among member states.


4. (C) We hope to be able to convey a final Djibouti position
on the G-4 proposal in advance of any vote on this
resolution.
RAGSDALE