MOROCCO: DEMARCHE ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE NEXT

UNCLAS RABAT 000336 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/MAG, IO/UNP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UN MO SUBJECT: MOROCCO: DEMARCHE ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE NEXT UN SECRETARY-GENERAL REF: STATE 22833 ¶1. (U) This cable is sensitive but unclassified. Please protect accordingly. ¶2. (SBU) Poloffs met February 21 with MFA Director of United Nations and International Organizations Nasser Bourita to discuss reftel points on the appointment of the next UN Secretary General (SYG). Per guidance, Poloff also provided SIPDIS Bourita with reftel points in non-paper format. ¶3. (SBU) Bourita responded that the GOM is following this issue with great interest. He added that although having a geographical balance is indeed a principle that should be considered, this is only one criteria and the next SYG should be someone who can continue Kofi Annan's diplomatic visibility while effectively managing the UN. Bourita, however, expressed some concern regarding the SYG nomination process, noting that, in his view, it is in need of more transparency and should be reformed. Bourita noted GOM frustration that the UN demands transparency in others, but does not ask for the same transparency in the nomination process of a SYG. For example, the candidates for SYG generally only need to lobby the P-5 in order to be selected and the General Assembly generally assents to the choice. Bourita commented that, in an effort to increase transparency, SYG candidates should present themselves to all members of the UN, not just the P-5. ¶4. (SBU) When asked about GOM thoughts on possible candidates for the next SYG, Bourita replied that the GOM has been approached by both Thailand and South Korea regarding their respective candidates. Bourita also pointed out that he believes the P-5 should not be eligible as a SYG candidate, as they "have enough other privileges." He expressed the GOM's desire that the next SYG be someone with excellent managerial skills and a political profile. Bourita pledged to continue to share GOM thinking with Embassy as it evolves. ****************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ****************************************** Riley