BELGIUM, IN THE UNSC CHAIR THIS MONTH, WANTS UNSYG

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRUSSELS 001287 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/20/2018 TAGS: UNSC PREL PGOV PBTS MO WI BE SUBJECT: BELGIUM, IN THE UNSC CHAIR THIS MONTH, WANTS UNSYG TO LEAD IN DECIDING ON ENVOY AND WHEN TO HAVE FIFTH ROUND OF WESTERN SAHARA TALKS REF: STATE 88765 Classified By: POL/ECON COUNSELOR RICHARD EASON FOR REASONS 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) MFA Security Council Coordinator Rudi Brieven, accompanied by Attache for Middle East and North Africa Laura Poletto, received Poloff to discuss the referenced demarche on August 19. Brieven said that the GoB follows events in North Africa, especially Morocco and Algeria, very closely, because -- among other reasons -- of the big presence in Belgium of citizens and residents coming from this area. Poletto added (when asked) that the EU Africa working group has not yet met to discuss this matter, so there is no EU-wide consensus on the subject yet. ¶2. (C) Brieven said that both the GoB and the Security Council hope very much that a fifth round of talks takes place, just as we do, but only if the next round does not turn into a negative meeting that could bring these talks to an unsatisfactory end. He said that holding the next round soon is less important than that they not lead to the collapse of the process. He expressed the view that up to now these talks appear to have produced no result on the ground. Their only result thus far, he suggested, is the admittedly positive fact that they take place at all. ¶3. (C) Brieven was not surprised at the Polisario's objecting to Van Walsum, whom he described as having been outspoken in a way that could be interpreted by Polisario as showing pro-Moroccan sympathies. He said one of principles the GoB observes in such matters is that both parties should agree on procedures, and that includes formats and envoys. Therefore, if the Polisario reaches the point of saying it won't participate with the current envoy, then the matter of what to do next should "be left in the good hands of the SYG." ¶4. (C) COMMENT: Brieven received the poloff with great courtesy on virtually no notice at a very busy time and his manner of presenting his case was reflective and deliberate, not dismissive, but the bottom line was that having a fifth round that is not a disaster is his overriding priority, ahead of when and with whom as envoy. END COMMENT.