NIGERIA: UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE DEMARCHE DELIVERED

UNCLAS ABUJA 001839 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/W, INR/AA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL KIRF KNNP AF UN IR ZI NI SUBJECT: NIGERIA: UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE DEMARCHE DELIVERED REF: STATE 95334 ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: During the course of a September 8 meeting with Foreign Minister Ojo Maduekwe, Assistant Secretary David Kramer delivered reftel demarche. The FonMin seemed amenable to coordination with the USG on both country specific and thematic resolutions, and provided responses on the issues of Iran, Zimbabwe, No-Action Motions, and the Defamation of Religions resolution. The FonMin also said he looked forward to continuing the discussion at UNGA. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) IRAN: The FonMin stated that the GON was "in sync" with Washington on non-proliferation and the need for a tighter reign on Iran. The FonMin added, however, that an open dialogue and multilateral approach was always best. (Note: After the meeting, Maduewkwe and A/S Kramer were approached by the press, who asked if they had discussed the supposed Iranian-Nigerian nuclear deal. Maduekwe categorically denied on camera that any agreement had been signed, challenged the press to produce a copy of any such document, an admonished the press for spreading falsehoods. "It is a figment of your imagination," concluded FonMin Maduekwe. End Note.) ¶3. (U) ZIMBABWE: A/S Kramer thanked the FonMin for the GON's public statement on Zimbabwe and inquired about the GON's views on a possible resolution. The FonMin replied that the GON and and Government of Zambia issued a joint statement declaring that the formation of a Zimbabwean government which did not include Morgan Tsangvirai's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) "will have repercussions." Maduekwe added that it was wrong to ignore a party which had the support of 47 percent of the population, and categorically denied that the GON would embrace a government without the MDC. Further, he pledged to "enter into very serious consultations with other African governments to come up with measures to press for a resolution to the situation." The FonMin added that if Mugabe "does what he threatens," the GON will be "hard on him" and would support sanctions and even the deployment of an African standby force. Additionally, the FonMin requested patience in response to future USG requests for public statements, as it is important that the GON not be portrayed as merely a "stooge" of Washington. ¶4. (U) NO-ACTION MOTIONS: When A/S Kramer asked for support in blocking "no-action motions," the FonMin requested that a member of his delegation make note of the request so he could follow up. ¶5. (U) DEFAMATION OF RELIGIONS: In response to A/S Kramer's caution about the dangers of the "defamation of religions" resolution, the FonMin suggested the USG and GON needed to look through the text of the resolution together to find common ground. Noting Nigeria's large Muslim population, the FonMin stated that it is important to try to find a way to address concerns about freedom of speech while still respecting cultural sensitivities. ¶6. (U) Post intends to deliver a summary non-paper of all demarche points to working level contacts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will report back with any additional responses from the GON. PFLAUMER