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