MOZAMBIQUE RESPONSE ON UNSC REFORM SUPPLEMENTAL

UNCLAS MAPUTO 000932 SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR IO/UNP, P, AF/RSA, AF/S - HTREGER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KUNR MZ UNSC UNGA SUBJECT: MOZAMBIQUE RESPONSE ON UNSC REFORM SUPPLEMENTAL DEMARCHE REF: A. STATE 138991 ¶B. STATE 134316 ¶C. STATE 132429 ¶1. (U) Sensitive but unclassified. Please treat accordingly. Not for internet distribution. ¶2. (SBU) On July 28 Ambassador discussed Ref A demarche points with Mozambican Foreign Minister Alcinda Abreu. The Ambassador told Abreu that the USG supports expansion of the UNSC, but she emphasized that the matter must be considered in the broader context of overall UN reform. She stressed that a vote at this time would be divisive, and she urged the GRM to continue consulting with the USG and others on the issue. ¶3. (SBU) FM Abreu stated that although UNSC reform was an important aspect of UN reform as a whole, it was not a central issue for Mozambique. She added that the GRM had not played an active role in the recent discussions between the G-4 and the African Union (AU). Abreu said that the GRM would continue to support the official AU position. She acknowledged, however, that reaching consensus within the AU at Sirte (Libya) had been difficult. Abreu stated she did not believe that the group of G-4 and AU ministers in New York should make the final decision on a UNSC reform resolution. Instead, she indicated it was time for the AU heads of state to meet again to reach a consensus decision. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: Not in the lead on this issue, Mozambique will likely only get involved if a split in the AU position threatens to hamper forward movement on broader UN reform initiatives that have a direct impact here, such as economic development or the UN Democracy Fund. La Lime