KUWAIT DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON JUNE 19-21 OIC

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 002297 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS FOR NEA/ARP E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/13/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV IR KU SUBJECT: KUWAIT DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON JUNE 19-21 OIC MEETING IN BAKU; FURTHER COMMENTS ON THE NAM MINISTERIAL REF: A. STATE 93689 ¶B. KUWAIT 2219 ¶C. STATE 89325 ¶D. KUWAIT 1913 ¶E. STATE 83239 Classified By: CDA Matthew H. Tueller for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C/NF) PolChief delivered ref A demarche to Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Organizations Department Director Ambassador Abdullah Al-Murad on June 13. Al-Murad, who will represent the GOK at the June 19-21 meeting in Baku, said that Iran was not on the OIC agenda and there would be no resolution or statement. The only context in which Iran would be discussed was a standing agenda item on disarmament. Nonetheless, he appreciated receiving additional information on the current state of play. ¶2. (C/NF) Off the record, Al-Murad said he was aware of U.S. disappointment with the NAM statement on Iran. He explained that GCC countries, in an attempt to maintain a working relationship with Iran, did not participate in the preparatory meetings in New York. He reported that Iran, with support from the DPRK, Cuba, and Syria, influenced the drafting process and the statement issued, while unacceptable, was a third or fourth iteration of Iran's draft and reflected the considerable efforts of other NAM members. He blamed Malaysia for the failure to release a more balanced statement, complaining that as the host country, Malaysia was more interested in keeping its guests happy than engaging in a debate on language. ********************************************* * For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/?cable s Visit Kuwait's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ ********************************************* * TUELLER