MOROCCO: 60TH UNFC: DEMARCHE IN SUPPORT OF U.S.

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 002201 SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D C O P Y - CAPTION ADDED SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/MAG E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/24/2015 TAGS: CDG PARM PREL UNGA MO SUBJECT: MOROCCO: 60TH UNFC: DEMARCHE IN SUPPORT OF U.S. UNGA FIRST COMMITTEE (UNFC) RESOLUTION ON COMPLIANCE REF: STATE 178316 Classified By: Acting Pol/C Cynthia Kierscht for reasons 1.4 (B),(D). ¶1. (C) Per reftel, Acting Pol/C met October 24 with MFA Director of UN Affairs Nacer Bourita to seek GOM support and cosponsorship for the U.S. UNGA First Committee (UNFC) resolution on compliance. A/Pol/C left behind a copy of the draft resolution with Bourita per reftel instructions. Bourita noted that Morocco would "definitely" vote for the resolution as it conforms with what the GOM believes, i.e., that it is important not only to sign agreements and adhere to multilateral instruments, but also to implement these agreements and provide international organizations with the means for verifying that compliance occurs. ¶2. (C) While Bourita reiterated GOM support for the resolution, he noted that an ongoing debate within the NAM would likely result in few NAM members backing the resolution. NAM countries support the compliance issue, according to Bourita, but are emphasizing primarily the need to sign agreements before they can be complied with. Morocco, however, is working within the NAM to "have a positive outcome," on the issue, said Bourita. While he could not yet commit Morocco to cosponsoring the resolution, Bourita indicated that the GOM would study the issue and provide feedback as soon as possible. RILEY