MOROCCAN APPROACH ON UNGA 3RD COMMITTEE

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 002087 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/MAG E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/10/2016 TAGS: MO SUBJECT: MOROCCAN APPROACH ON UNGA 3RD COMMITTEE REF: A. STATE 184178 AND PREVIOUS ¶B. STATE 182099 (CUBA 2ND COMMITTEE) ¶C. RABAT 2076 Classified By: Classified by Craig Karp for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Due to limitations of availability, Polcounselor raised ref A demarche with MFA IO/UN Director (A/S equivalent) Nasser Bourita early November 9, highlighting the importance of a strong stand on human rights against these major violators. Bourita thanked us for the information received in addition to the original demarche. ¶2. (C) Bourita stressed that Morocco and the U.S. had shared values on the matter of human rights. In response to our original demarche on country specific resolutions, the GOM was still considering its precise positions. It would base its final decision on the following criteria: --Morocco takes a principled stance in support of human rights; --Morocco has made progress domestically on this issue and will reflect this in its international stance; --The resolutions should avoid politicization of the issue; --It would review bilateral considerations, such as Burma's support for the Algerian resolution on Western Sahara in the 4th committee. ¶3. (C) Bourita said Morocco opposed procedural shenanigans in the UN and so did not look favorably on the No Action Motions ¶4. (C) Bourita said Morocco similarly opposed the retaliatory resolutions. These countries should not be permitted to abuse the UN forum in this way. ¶5. (C) On Cuban resolution ref B/C Bourita explained that Morocco abstained. It supported the US position on Cuba, but did not believe 3rd committee issues should be raised in 2nd committee resolutions. ****************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ****************************************** Riley