SEEKING AFRICA GROUP CANDIDATES FOR THE UN HUMAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000164 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/MAG, IO/RHS, DRL/MLGA E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/29/2010 TAGS: PHUM PREL UNHRC SUBJECT: SEEKING AFRICA GROUP CANDIDATES FOR THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REF: STATE 09932 Classified By: Political Counselor Craig Karp, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Poloff met with Nasser Bourita, Director of United Nations and International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA),on January 30 to discuss reftel. Bourita expressed pleasure that Morocco's human rights record is recognized positively and that the USG considers it important for Morocco to run for a seat on the council. He, however, indicated that the Government of Morocco (GOM) is still considering its candidacy for re-election. ¶2. (C) Bourita stated clearly that if Algeria chooses to run for a seat, Morocco will run. If Egypt alone decides to run, then Morocco will likely support Egypt's candidacy. The central points expressed by Bourita were the importance of geographic balance among the "Africa group"; and, that an agreement exists in the group that North Africa will not necessarily be represented in the next council. ¶3. (C) Emboffs will continue to discuss Morocco's candidacy with the MFA and inform Department of any developments. ****************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ****************************************** Riley