DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON LIBERIA UNGA VOTING RECORD

C O N F I D E N T I A L MONROVIA 000896 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/03/2019 TAGS: PREL UNGA LI SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON LIBERIA UNGA VOTING RECORD REF: STATE 107534 Classified By: Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield for Reasons 1.4 (b) a nd (d). ¶1. (C) Ambassador delivered reftel demarche to President Sirleaf October 31, stressing that while the USG is appreciative of Liberia's support on some critical votes at the UNGA, Liberia in fact has voted with the U.S. only 15% of the time overall. The Ambassador noted that with the impending arrival of the new Liberian PermRep Conmany Wesseh, it would be a good opportunity for the GOL to review its voting practices. ¶2. (C) The president was surprised that the percentage was so low, but admitted that Liberia must oftentimes follow regional consensus. She said that Wesseh will have some autonomy, but she will call him in before he departs and will stress upon him the importance of following instructions when received. (Note: Wesseh has told us he plans to travel to New York in mid-November. End note) THOMAS-GREENFIELD