UNGA RESOLUTIONS ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND CHILDREN IN

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 001987 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/23/2016 TAGS: UNGA LE IS MA PHUM PTER SUBJECT: UNGA RESOLUTIONS ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND CHILDREN IN LEBANON REF: STATE 176793 Classified by Acting Political Counselor Ian McCary for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) In an October 23 meeting with Nasser Bourita, the MFA's Director-General for UN and Multilateral Affairs, A/Polcouns urged that Morocco vote against items 63 (a) and 67 (b),in the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly (reftel). ¶2. (C) Bourita replied that Morocco understood U.S. concerns and shared them. These resolutions, and other similar ones drafted by the Arab Group and then adopted for sponsorship by the NAM countries were outmoded, repetitive, and "fail to take into account evolutions in the international environment," Bourita opined. Morocco has made these arguments within Arab Group meetings but other, louder voices have prevailed, he lamented. ¶3. (C) Pressed as to whether Morocco would vote against these two resolutions or not, Bourita, slightly sheepishly, replied that he expected Morocco would vote with the Arab Group consensus. In spite of Morocco's reservations, he explained, the GOM feels bound by consensus positions taken at Arab League summits and other fora, and would probably be reluctant to openly break ranks with the Arab Group on this issue. Ultimately, the decision will be made above his level, Bourita added, and he promised to communicate U.S. views to his superiors in the Ministry and to his colleagues in New York. ¶4. (C) "Your demarche comes late to affect deliberations this year," Bourita opined. He suggested that rather than lobby against specific resolutions while the General Assembly is in session, the U.S. would be better served by lobbying the Arab Group on broader principles continuously during the course of the year. "We could work with you in that process," he offered. ****************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ****************************************** Riley