DEMARCHE DELIVERED: GOAM FAVORS UNSC EXPANSION

C O N F I D E N T I A L YEREVAN 001263 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/CACEN E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/15/2015 TAGS: PREL AM UNSC SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: GOAM FAVORS UNSC EXPANSION BUT WOULD SUPPORT EFFORTS TO DELAY VOTE REF: STATE 126870 Classified By: Amb. John M. Evans for reasons 1.4 (b, d). ¶1. (SBU) Ambassador delivered reftel demarche points regarding UNSC expansion to GOAM Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian on July 13. Oskanian confirmed initial reports that the GOAM has already committed to support the G-4 resolution but would also support efforts to delay an early vote. According to Oskanian, Armenia will abstain on any competing resolution introduced by Italy. ¶2. (C) Comment: Oskanian told the Ambassador that delays in articulating clear-cut positions on the resolution, particularly from P-5 members U.S., Russia, and China, added to pressure from the G-4 to sway Armenian support. Oskanian opined it would have been helpful to have the U.S. and other permanent five (P-5) members' positions much earlier. By both openly supporting the resolution and privately undertaking to undermine its passage, the GOAM continues to approach UN reform issues in terms of how small countries -- like Armenia -- can retain seats in some UN bodies and leverage influence on others. EVANS