Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07MOSCOW5524
2007-11-26 15:16:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Moscow
Cable title:
RUSSIA WILL ABSTAIN ON UNGA RESOLUTIONS WITH
how-toVZCZCXYZ0006 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHMO #5524 3301516 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 261516Z NOV 07 FM AMEMBASSY MOSCOW TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5444 INFO RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV 2184 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0389
UNCLAS MOSCOW 005524
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL UNGA IS RS
SUBJECT: RUSSIA WILL ABSTAIN ON UNGA RESOLUTIONS WITH
ANTI-ISRAEL BIAS
REF: STATE 159386
(SBU) We delivered reftel points on November 23 to MFA Deputy
Director for the Middle East and North Africa Oleg Ozerov and
urged Russia to change its abstentions to "no" votes this
year. Ozerov cited the GOR practice of abstaining on
anti-Israel resolutions at UNGA and said that to begin
opposing the resolutions at this time would appear
inconsistent. He explained that the GOR preferred that UNGA
resolutions dealing with the Middle East contain "less
rhetoric, less focus on Israel," but noted that these
resolutions have a "history that is very difficult to
change." Many are drafted by the Palestinians, who have seen
their economic situation deteriorate over the last two years
while Israel's security situation has improved. Ozerov said
that should the situation improve for the Palestinians the
GOR and other governments could change their positions on
anti-Israel resolutions.
BURNS