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