UNGA -- PRESSING GOI ON ANTI-ISRAEL RESOLUTIONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 003230 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, NEA, IO/UNP ERIN MCLINN NSC FOR EPHU E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2017 TAGS: PREL UNGA ID IS SUBJECT: UNGA -- PRESSING GOI ON ANTI-ISRAEL RESOLUTIONS REF: STATE 159386 Classified By: Pol/C Joseph Legend Novak, reasons 1.4(b-d). ¶1. (C) Pol/C reviewed reftel points with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DEPLU),November 23. Pol/C firmly underscored to Andi Rachmianto--the Deputy Director of DEPLU's UN and International Security Affairs Office--that the annual cascade of Israel-related resolutions are thoroughly unbalanced and totally unhelpful. The resolutions place demands wholly on one side in the Middle East conflict while failing to acknowledge that genuine progress has been made. ¶2. (C) Continuing, Pol/C emphasized that Indonesia--which has been invited to the Annapolis Conference--understands how fully engaged the U.S. is in promoting a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel itself has been a willing, constructive partner. Pol/C urged that Indonesia join the growing group of nations which want the UN and the international community to play a positive role in settling the Middle East conflict. ¶3. (U) Pol/C urged that the USG points also be provided to Foreign Minister Wirajuda's Office for its review before the delegation departs for the conference. Reftel points were also provided to DEPLU's North America Office. ¶4. (C) Rachmianto took the U.S. points on board. He averred that the GOI would carefully review any resolutions of this sort that are raised in the UN context. He noted, however, that there was a constituency in Indonesia which liked to criticize Israel at any opportunity. He understood our point regarding the sensitive, ongoing efforts to make Annapolis a success and a springboard to additional progress. Pol/C underlined that DEPLU should work closely with USUN and inform its UN Office in New York to vote in a constructive manner. HEFFERN