MOROCCAN COMMITMENT TO NEXT ROUND OF WESTERN

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 001661 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/29/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL UNSC MO SUBJECT: MOROCCAN COMMITMENT TO NEXT ROUND OF WESTERN SAHARA TALKS REF: SECSTATE 148991 ¶1. (C) On October 26, MFA Chief of Staff Nasser Bourita, providing an initial response, underscored Morocco's commitment expressed at Manhasset II to participate in the next round. As conveyed then to Van Walsum, Morocco is in process of government formation and the government was still not officially invested, which required a confidence vote in Parliament. (Note: Technically, this is true. We understand that the confidence vote will take place later this week) ¶2. (C) Bourita said when that is done Morocco was prepared, as noted in the Manhasset communique, and as restated as the UN's intention in the UNSYG's recent report, to engage in consultations with Van Walsum on a time and place. Bourita maintained that Morocco had not yet received an official/formal proposal for place and date from Van Walsum. He complained about Polisario publicly announcing the November date and wondered if Van Walsum was communicating with the POLISARIO without including Morocco. ¶3. (C) On October 29, Bourita got back to us to note that immediately after the adoption of the UNSC Resolution on October 31 Morocco planned to make a statement at the UN which will, among other things, underscore their commitment to attend the upcoming round of talks and that they would welcome consultations on details with the UN. ***************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ***************************************** Riley