Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08OUAGADOUGOU795
2008-08-29 14:32:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ouagadougou
Cable title:
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: BURKINA FASO WILL NOT PUBLICLY CONDEMN
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHOU #0795 2421432 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 291432Z AUG 08 FM AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4109 INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0671 RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L OUAGADOUGOU 000795
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/28/2018
TAGS: PREL UNSC GG UV
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: BURKINA FASO WILL NOT PUBLICLY CONDEMN
RUSSIA
REF: SECSTATE 92371
Classified by ADCM Joann Lockard for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L OUAGADOUGOU 000795
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/28/2018
TAGS: PREL UNSC GG UV
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: BURKINA FASO WILL NOT PUBLICLY CONDEMN
RUSSIA
REF: SECSTATE 92371
Classified by ADCM Joann Lockard for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) On August 28, Acting DCM, accompanied by PolOff, presented
reftel demarche to Vincent Zakane, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. Although Zakane agreed in principle with the U.S.
position, he called Russian control over the break-away regions a
"fait accompli," and added that Burkina feels "uncomfortable" in the
middle of an argument that will, realistically, not change anything
on the ground. Zakane followed the demarche with a phone call to
ADCM, informing Post officially that Burkina Faso would not make
public statements condemning Russia's recognition of South Ossetia
and Abkhazia. Furthermore, he reported that Burkina Faso's permanent
representative to the U.N. had been instructed only to "observe" any
emergency Security Council meeting.
2. (C) Zakane explained that in his opinion, public condemnation of
Russia by Burkina Faso would not have any affect on Russia's actions.
Zakane emphasized that the major Western powers had already
vehemently condemned Russia to no avail. Zakane opined that Russia's
actions and the ensuing regional tensions could not be resolved at
the UNSC level because of the nature of the organization and Russia's
ability to veto resolutions. He added that the situation on the
ground was evolving daily and the UNSC was ill-equipped to react
swiftly enough to have significant impact.
3. (C) Comment: Burkina Faso does not like to, and does not have a
tradition of, making public declarations regarding world events. If
the opportunity presents itself, the GOBF would probably vote to
support the U.S. position, but is digging in its heels regarding a
unilateral public condemnation. Reading between the lines in
Zakane's answers, Burkina does not want to get between the U.S. and
Russia in "a new Cold War."
JACKSON
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/28/2018
TAGS: PREL UNSC GG UV
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: BURKINA FASO WILL NOT PUBLICLY CONDEMN
RUSSIA
REF: SECSTATE 92371
Classified by ADCM Joann Lockard for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) On August 28, Acting DCM, accompanied by PolOff, presented
reftel demarche to Vincent Zakane, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. Although Zakane agreed in principle with the U.S.
position, he called Russian control over the break-away regions a
"fait accompli," and added that Burkina feels "uncomfortable" in the
middle of an argument that will, realistically, not change anything
on the ground. Zakane followed the demarche with a phone call to
ADCM, informing Post officially that Burkina Faso would not make
public statements condemning Russia's recognition of South Ossetia
and Abkhazia. Furthermore, he reported that Burkina Faso's permanent
representative to the U.N. had been instructed only to "observe" any
emergency Security Council meeting.
2. (C) Zakane explained that in his opinion, public condemnation of
Russia by Burkina Faso would not have any affect on Russia's actions.
Zakane emphasized that the major Western powers had already
vehemently condemned Russia to no avail. Zakane opined that Russia's
actions and the ensuing regional tensions could not be resolved at
the UNSC level because of the nature of the organization and Russia's
ability to veto resolutions. He added that the situation on the
ground was evolving daily and the UNSC was ill-equipped to react
swiftly enough to have significant impact.
3. (C) Comment: Burkina Faso does not like to, and does not have a
tradition of, making public declarations regarding world events. If
the opportunity presents itself, the GOBF would probably vote to
support the U.S. position, but is digging in its heels regarding a
unilateral public condemnation. Reading between the lines in
Zakane's answers, Burkina does not want to get between the U.S. and
Russia in "a new Cold War."
JACKSON