RESPONSE TO ACTION REQUEST ON 2008 NON-ALIGNED

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BANGKOK 002206 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR ISN/RA - RISA MONGIELLO AND RICHARD NEPHEW E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2018 TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM TRGY IAEA PERL UR TH SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO ACTION REQUEST ON 2008 NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING REF: STATE 74879 Classified By: Acting Political Section Chief David R. Greenberg, reaso n: 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Having conveyed reftel points on July 16 regarding the July 2008 Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Foreign Ministers meeting, Poloff discussed Thailand's perspective on the meeting and Iran's proposed text for the NAM Foreign Ministers' statement on July 17 with Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Peace, Security, and Disarmament Division Second Secretary Chamsai Menasavet. (Note: Chamsai has primary responsibility for NAM issues at the Thai MFA and expected to travel as part of the Thai delegation to the NAM meeting.) ¶2. (C) Chamsai advised that Thailand, as well as many other NAM countries, had significant concerns about Iran's proposed text for the Foreign Ministers' statement, which Chamsai noted was heavily weighted in Iran's favor. (Note: Chamsai said she could not recall specifically which other NAM members were opposed to Iran's draft, but added that there a large number of countries expressed concerns.) Contrary to tradition and plans, after intense negotiations and long debates in New York, Chamsai said NAM officials were unable to come to an agreement on the text. Chamsai expected the Foreign Ministers' statement would be the focus of the NAM meeting in Tehran. Chamsai said Thailand desired a more balanced statement and had particular concerns about the final paragraph, which questioned the legality of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. Chamsai indicated that under no circumstances would Thailand support any text that contradicted the UNSC. ¶3. (C) Given the recent resignation of Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon, the MFA had not yet determined who would lead the Thai delegation to the NAM meeting. Chamsai suggested that selection could influence the strength of Thailand's reactions. Chamsai said possible candidates for leading the delegation included the Thai Ambassador to the United Nations in New York and the MFA Deputy Permanent Secretary. ¶4. (C) Chamsai noted that as NAM Chair, Cuba had the responsibility to disseminate all proposed texts to NAM members. As an aside, Chamsai commented that perhaps contrary to expectations the Cubans tend to restrain the Iranians at NAM meetings. Chamsai described the Iranians as obstinate, but logical. Chamsai contended that although the Iranians would argue strongly in favor of their proposal, they would ultimately accept the consensus decision. ¶5. (C) Regarding reftel paragraph seven concerns, Chamsai advised that to her knowledge Thailand had never received an invitation to visit Iranian nuclear sites, and she expected that Thailand would likely refuse such an invitation given similar concerns to those highlighted. BANGKOK 00002206 002 OF 002 ¶6. (U) Embassy Bangkok's point of contact is Political Officer Lisa Kaleczyc. JOHN