DEFEATING VENEZUELA FOR NON-PERMANENT UNSC SEAT:

C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 000230

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR IO/UNP (BHARRIS),WHA/PPC (RYONEOKA),NEA/ARPI

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/20/2016
TAGS: PREL GT VE MU
SUBJECT: DEFEATING VENEZUELA FOR NON-PERMANENT UNSC SEAT:
OMAN

REF: SECSTATE 20173

Classified By: Ambassador Richard L. Baltimore III.
Reason: 1.4 (b, d).

(C) On February 18, Pol/Econ Chief took the opportunity of a
previously scheduled meeting with MFA Chief of International
Organizations Ambassador Talib bin Miran al-Raisi to deliver
reftel demarche promoting Guatemala's candidacy over
Venezuela in the election for a non-permanent seat to the UN
Security Council. Ambassador al-Raisi grinned at the very
mention of Venezuela's candidacy coming from a U.S. diplomat,
and nodded knowingly at the growing list of Venezuelan
shenanigans in international fora. He took careful note of
Guatemala's qualifications, saying he had a clear picture of
the situation. While not able to offer an Omani commitment
for its vote, Ambassador al-Raisi exhibited sympathy for the
USG position. This embassy would note, however, that Oman
will often follow an Arab League consensus on such matters
when such a consensus exists. We are not aware, however,
that the AL or Arab Group within the UN has yet formulated a
position on this issue.
BALTIMORE