KUWAIT DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON SELECTION OF NEXT UN

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 000557 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR NEA/ARPI AND IO/UNP E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/15/2016 TAGS: PREL XH KU SUBJECT: KUWAIT DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON SELECTION OF NEXT UN SYG REF: STATE 22833 Classified By: CDA Matt Tueller for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). (C) CDA met with MFA Director of International Organization Affairs Ambassador Abdullah Ahmed Al-Murad on February 15th and conveyed reftel points on appointing the next UN Secretary General. Murad noted that it seemed to be Asia's SIPDIS "turn," despite the U.S. argument that there is not actually a system of rotational leadership. He seemed dubious about the prospect of an Eastern European candidate since he considers Eastern Europe to be part of Europe, which already has three permanent members on the Security Council. He said Kuwait would make its decision after consultations with first the GCC, then the broader Arab world, and perhaps other Islamic countries. Pending consultations, the GOK would keep an "open mind". ********************************************* * 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