Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ABUJA2048
2008-10-16 15:51:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Abuja
Cable title:
NIGERIA: UNGA VOTING RECORD DEMARCHE
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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).
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
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