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.