FALKLANDS: ARGENTINA SUGGESTS UNGA ACTION TO FORCE

C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 000909 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/23/2017 TAGS: PREL AR UK SUBJECT: FALKLANDS: ARGENTINA SUGGESTS UNGA ACTION TO FORCE SOVEREIGNTY NEGOTIATIONS Classified By: Ambassador Alejandro D. Wolff, per 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) On instructions from Buenos Aires, Argentine PermRep Jorge Arguello approached Amb Wolff on October 22 to indicate that Argentina is "thinking" of sponsoring action in the UNGA to encourage UK-Argentina negotiations on the issue of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) during the 2008-09 session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Bemoaning the lack of any dialogue between the two sides on this issue thus far, Arguello said Argentina seeks a "non-dramatic" event in the UNGA that would "move in a constructive way" towards negotiations, while recognizing that the UK does not support negotiations now. This might take the shape of a GA resolution or just a discussion in the Assembly. Besides the U.S., Buenos Aires had asked the Argentine Mission to consult on this idea with China and a few other countries. Once it has taken a decision on the way forward, Arguello said he would approach the UK Mission. Arguello asked that USUN report the idea to Washington and seek a considered U.S. position. ¶2. (C) Amb Wolff reiterated the strong U.S. preference that the UK and Argentina settle the issue of the Falkland Islands themselves. He agreed to report the issue to Washington and seek guidance on the possible UNGA initiative, but cautioned that it is hard to react without knowing exactly what Argentina plans to propose. Preliminarily, however, Amb Wolff suggested the U.S. would likely support something agreed by the two parties, but would otherwise be inclined to stay on the sidelines. The U.S. has not traditionally taken a high-profile role on the Falkland Islands issue, he noted, and would probably maintain that stance unless both parties asked us to become more involved. Amb Wolff also cautioned Arguello that while Argentina might win a vote in the UNGA on a resolution calling for negotiations on sovereignty over the Falklands, if the resolution does not enjoy the UK's support, it would be unlikely to have much effect on the ground. ¶3. (C) ACTION REQUEST: USUN requests Department views on the Argentine proposal. WOLFF