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.
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Riley