C O N F I D E N T I A L OUAGADOUGOU 001028


DEPT FOR AF/W DORSEY LOCKHART
DRL FOR CARRIE E. FLINCHBAUGH AND THOMAS KNOX

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/17/2018
TAGS: PREL UNGA UV
SUBJECT: BURKINA FASO POSITION ON UNGA RESOLUTION ON THE DEFAMATION
OF RELIGION

Classified by Samuel C. Laeuchli, Deputy Chief of Mission, for
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) On November 17, DCM, accompanied by POLOFF, discussed the U.N.
General Assembly (UNGA) vote on the defamation-of-religion resolution
with Vincent Zakane, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs (MOFA), and Der Kogda, the Director General of Multilateral
Affairs. Zakane understood U.S. concerns about the defamation
resolution presented by the Organization of the Islamic Conference
(OIC). Zakane told the DCM that Burkina Faso is a tolerant country
that has respect for all religions as well as respect for liberty.
Likewise, Zakane noted that Burkina Faso does not have problems
associated with intolerance and extremism. In principle, Zakane felt
the U.S. and Burkina Faso held the same position about defamation of
religion. However, Zakane said that it would be difficult for
Burkina Faso to vote against the OIC, of which it is a member, on a
resolution introduced by that organization.


2. (C) Comment: Post believes that Burkina Faso will either abstain
or will not vote on the resolution at all, as it did last year.

JACKSON