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