SOMALIA/PIRACY -- WORKING TOWARD A UNSC RESOLUTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 000365 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, AF/E, AF/RSA (FOR JUN BANDO),IO/UNP (FOR JOE FITZGERALD),L/OES (FOR ASH ROACH), USUN, EEB/TRA/OTP, OES/A, L NSC FOR E.PHU E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/25/2018 TAGS: PREL ASEC UNSC ID SO SUBJECT: SOMALIA/PIRACY -- WORKING TOWARD A UNSC RESOLUTION REF: STATE 18101 Classified By: Pol/C Joseph Legend Novak, reasons 1.4 (b+d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Pol/C reviewed with the GOI the problem of piracy off the Somali coast. Pol/C noted that the USG hoped to use ongoing UNSC consultations to address the problem. Our GOI contact said his government recognized the seriousness of the problem and would review the matter, including the potential elements of a UNSC resolution. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Per reftel instructions, Pol/C reviewed USG background and suggested next steps regarding the problem of piracy off the Somali coast with the Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs (DEPLU). In a February 25 discussion, Pol/C underlined to Budi Santoso, the Head of the Africa Section of DEPLU, USG concerns about the situation and our support for multilateral action to deal with the problem. The USG believes that one way forward involves a possible Security Council Resolution. Pol/C reviewed with Santoso the USG's potential elements of such a resolution. The USG welcomed an exchange of views regarding the situation, including views on a possible resolution. ¶3. (C) Pol/C also reviewed points with DEPLU's Office of International Security Affairs. ¶4. (C) Santoso replied that Indonesia took the problem of piracy very seriously. As a large archipelago, it knew first-hand of the problem and what it can do to trade and travel. The GOI would review the USG's points and discuss how it can help the process now ongoing at the UN. HUME