NIGERIA: UNGA VOTING RECORD DEMARCHE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ABUJA 002048 SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/W, INR/AA, IO DOE FOR GEORGE PERSON E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/01/2018 TAGS: PREL UNGA NI SUBJECT: NIGERIA: UNGA VOTING RECORD DEMARCHE REF: A. STATE 105122 ¶B. ABUJA 1107 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Lisa Piascik for reasons 1.4. (b & d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: On October 15, Charge d'Affaires delivered Ref A demarche to Ambassador M.K. Ibrahim, Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Organizations Department Second United Nations Division. Ambassador Ibrahim spoke openly about the GON position and votes on Iran, Cuba, North Korea and Belarus. Ibrahim reiterated disappointment over the USG withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and concern over Nigeria's upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Appreciative of the visit, Ibrahim requested more frequent meetings and discussions. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) IRAN: Defending the GON decision to abstain on votes regarding Iran, Ibrahim informed the CDA that Nigeria is under intense pressure to maintain relations with both Iran and the United States. According to Ibrahim, the President of Iran spoke to President Yar'Adua and sent two high-level delegations to Nigeria in an attempt to garner GON support to vote against any Iran-specific resolution. Ibrahim noted that Nigeria's 2007 abstention "terribly upset" Iran as Nigeria's vote could have "tilted" the results in Iran's favor. Ibrahim argued that, while not exactly what the USG preferred, the abstention was more in line with USG interests than a "no" vote. ¶3. (C) CUBA: Suggesting that changes are taking place in Cuba, though admittedly not as fast as the U.S. might like, Ibrahim reiterated the GON position against the U.S. Embargo resolution. Ibrahim said he was hopeful that the USG position on Cuba might shift. ¶4. (C) NORTH KOREA: Ibrahim inquired whether the USG's decision to remove North Korea from the terrorist list would result in a position change regarding specific resolutions within the Third Committee. CDA replied that although North Korea may no longer be included on the terrorist list, it still has a seriously poor human rights record. ¶5. (C) BELARUS: Ibrahim noted that although Nigeria abstained in 2007, there is a slight chance that may change this year. When pressed, Ibrahim offered no additional information. ¶6. (C) SUDAN: Ibrahim stated that the GON was grateful for the U.S. role in Sudan and hoped for progress. Suggesting that other African countries were not willing to "stick their neck out" in support, Ibrahim wanted to ensure the USG was aware of Nigeria's appreciation of the U.S. position. ¶7. (C) UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL: Ibrahim once again expressed his disappointment at the U.S. withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council (Ref B). By not participating, he maintained, it makes it difficult for allies to continue to support USG interests and voting requests. He added that Iran is pushing to have human rights resolutions handled only in the UNHRC and not during the Third Committee. ¶8. (C) UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW: Ibrahim noted that Nigeria is preparing for its February 2009 UNHRC Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Ibrahim stated that the GON is "doing a lot to improve human rights", but still receives negative reports such as the U.S Human Rights Report and the Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Report which will undoubtedly be cited during the UPR. CDA noted that the GON's elevation to a Tier 2 country in relation to TIP displayed progress and that the USG is aware of GON efforts. Ibrahim requested the USG use its continued influence within the UNHRC to explain to allies the strides Nigeria has made despite the difficult situation in the Niger Delta. Caught in a "catch-22", Ibrahim said the GON is doing the best it can, but must be careful to avoid excessive force resulting in damages and casualties. CDA noted that progress in the Niger Delta would benefit the global community and the USG would assist as much as possible. ABUJA 00002048 002 OF 002 ¶9. (C) THE FUTURE: The GON does not want to continue to abstain on important votes according to Ibrahim, who pointed out the number of abstentions actually decreased over recent years. Ibrahim expressed gratitude for CDA's visit and encouraged the USG to continue such dialogue more frequently. He also suggested that, in the future, the U.S. inform Nigeria of its intentions earlier. Ibrahim said that if the USG approached the GON in July next year, Nigeria might be more able to coordinate on issues and votes for 2009. ¶10. (U) This cable is coordinated with Consulate Lagos. Piascik