MOROCCO: LEVERAGING UN TROOP CONTRIBUTING

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000640 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/MAG, AF/SPG E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/10/2016 TAGS: PREL KPKO PGOV SU MO SUBJECT: MOROCCO: LEVERAGING UN TROOP CONTRIBUTING COUNTRIES TOWARDS DARFUR REF: STATE 51778 Classified By: A/PolCouns Cindy Kierscht for reasons 1.4 (b),(d). ¶1. (C) A/Polcouns met April 10 with MFA Director of International Organizations and UN Affairs Nasser Bourita to discuss reftel request to solicit Moroccan troop and/or equipment support for a UN peacekeeping operation (PKO) in Sudan. Bourita raised two issues with Moroccan participation in such a PKO: the role of the African Union (of which Morocco is not a member) and the need for Moroccan involvement in more than merely the troop provision aspect of a PKO. ¶2. (C) On AU involvement, Bourita noted that the concept of a new mission in Sudan would need to be clarified before Morocco could commit to participating. If it is truly a UN PKO with African participation, the GOM could consider participating. If, however, it is a UN PKO with AU troops/participation, this would constitute an "impediment" to Moroccan involvement. Bourita commented that the GOM had agreed with the Arab League to send African troops to the PKO, but still considered AU involvement a problem. Continuing AU involvement should also be problematic for the UN as it is important to have one clear command in any PKO situation, Bourita asserted. ¶3. (C) On an expanded role for the GOM in PKOs, Bourita said that he is concerned that the Moroccan presence in several UN PKOs is limited merely to the provision of troops. For example, in both the Congo and Kosovo, Morocco has dedicated troops, but is generally not informed about the political developments, nor is the GOM involved in resolving the conflicts. Bourita emphasized GOM desire to be part of the solution, not merely the peacekeeping aspect of these missions. ¶4. (C) Bourita further noted that the GOM had recently received a letter from UNSYG Annan regarding the Moroccan position on Sudan. In the King's response letter, the GOM had indicated that it is in contact with the Sudanese government and had asked the GOS to consider all alternatives to resolve the situation, emphasizing the UN role in the process. In the letter, the GOM emphasized, however, that any UN role should have the agreement of the Sudanese government and that any resolution should respect Sudan's territorial integrity. ¶5. (C) In closing, Bourita said he would convey the USG request to his superiors, but would appreciate more detailed information on the possible AU role in a future peacekeeping force and in a political resolution. ****************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ****************************************** Riley