EGYPT'S VIEWS ON UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS

UNCLAS CAIRO 003153 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR IO AND DRL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KTIA PHUM PREL UN EG SUBJECT: EGYPT'S VIEWS ON UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS REF: STATE 145641 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Poloffs met with MFA Deputy Minister for Human Rights Affairs Wael Aboulmagd on October 29 to discuss reftel points. Aboulmagd said that Egypt generally does not support prohibitions on "no-action motions" or country specific resolutions. On the thematic resolutions, Aboulmagd said the MFA is now reviewing information it has on the draft resolutions and will respond more fully, but offered limited comments on the resolutions on rape as an instrument of state policy, defamation of religion, and the death penalty. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) No-Action Motions/Country Specific Resolutions: Aboulmagd advised that Egypt generally works as part of country groups at UNGA, and is therefore constrained by group positions. According to Aboulmagd, such positions are generally hostile to prohibitions on "no action motions" and country specific resolutions. Aboumagd also said that Egypt opposes the singling out of specific countries and its default position is to oppose country specific resolutions. ¶3. (SBU) Rape as an Instrument of State Policy: Aboulmagd said he had heard that the draft resolution condemning rape as an instrument of state policy was narrowly focused and appeared targeted at specific conflicts. He commented that minor revisions might make the resolution more broadly applicable and more likely to win wide support. ¶4. (SBU) Defamation of Religion: Aboulmagd disagreed that previous Organization of Islamic Conference sponsored resolutions singled out Islam for special protection. He also said that an effort to create special protections for Islam would be contrary to Egyptian law. ¶5. (SBU) EU Death Penalty Resolution: The EU draft resolution calling for a moratorium on the death penalty is problematic for Egypt. Aboulmagd said that because the death penalty has its source in Sharia law, any attempt to ban it would be extremely difficult. Aboulmagd added, however, that Egypt might be able to support some elements of the resolution. RICCIARDONE