UNSC ELECTION: NIGERIA UNDECIDED

S E C R E T ABUJA 002728 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR P (MCDONALD) AND IO/UNP (HARRIS AND GOLDENBERG) USUN FOR DUGAN E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/12/2016 TAGS: UNSC PREL NI SUBJECT: UNSC ELECTION: NIGERIA UNDECIDED REF: A. STATE 171921 ¶B. STATE 171368 Classified By: Charge Thomas Furey for Reasons 1.4 (b and d) ¶1. (S) On October 13 Charge met with Ambassador Chike Anigbo, Chief of Staff for the Foreign Minister, Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the October 16 UNSC Latin American seat contested between Guatemala and Venezuela. Anigbo reported that the Nigerian government has not made a final decision whether it will support Guatemala or Venezuela. He said envoys from both countries and Costa Rica have asked for Nigeria's support. Anigbo said he understood the U.S. position considering the circumstances. He underscored Nigeria's intention for a permanent seat on the UNSC and that U.S. and Nigerian interests at the UN were more closely in line than that of Venezuela. At the conclusion of the meeting, Anigbo said he would ensure that the Foreign Minister and President knew the U.S. strongly supports Guatemala's candidacy. FUREY