WESTERN SAHARA: UPDATE ON CBMS

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 001507 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/MAG, DRL E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/07/2011 TAGS: PGOV PBTS MO SUBJECT: WESTERN SAHARA: UPDATE ON CBMS REF: A. RABAT 01405 ¶B. RABAT 01503 Classified By: A/Polcouns C. J. Lenzen, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) On August 8, A/Polcouns met with Nasser Bourita, Director of United Nations and International Organizations in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA),to discuss the UN High Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development (reftel B). Bourita took the opportunity to discuss the GOM's position on the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and the suspension of the CBMs (reftel A). ¶2. (C) Bourita emphasized that there must be a solution to the suspension. The resumption of the visits is the most important consideration; however, according to Bourita, the GOM does not want the CBMs to resume on a "fragile basis." The UNHCR signed an agreement with the GOM on July 14. Under this agreement, Bourita said, the UNHCR was to contact the Polisario and then be in contact with the GOM. The UNHCR, according to Bourita, has not followed through on this commitment. ¶3. (C) Bourita expressed his primary concern as UNHCR and MINURSO will pressure donor countries, particularly the US, to resume the CBMs. The Polisario suspended the CBMs unilaterally, he said, and, they should not be rewarded for this action. Bourita said that the GOM does not want donor countries to compromise because the Polisario will continue to act unilaterally. ****************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ****************************************** RILEY