MOROCCO CONSIDERS U.S. REQUESTS ON UPCOMING UN

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 001059 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/06/2018 TAGS: PHUM PREL MO SUBJECT: MOROCCO CONSIDERS U.S. REQUESTS ON UPCOMING UN THIRD COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS REF: A. STATE 118150 ¶B. STATE 93981 ¶C. RABAT 830 Classified By: POLCOUNS Craig Karp for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Poloff delivered ref A demarche on November 7 to Chief of Service of the Principal Bodies of the United Nations Redoune Houssaini regarding Morocco's actions on the upcoming UN Third Committee resolutions on Iran, Burma, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Redoune was present in the September 3 meeting Poloff had with Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Head of United Nations Division Azzedine Farhane concerning the same issues and reaffirmed Farhane's comments made in that meeting (ref C). ¶2. (C) Morocco will support the UN resolutions condemning Burma's and the DPRK's human rights record. Redoune stated that it is difficult to change one's position after they have already taken a public stand on an issue. Morocco supported the UN resolutions on Burma and DPRK in 2007. Redoune informed Poloff that Burma is putting pressure on the Africa Group to support a no-action motion in the resolution regarding Burma. ¶3. (C) Redoune was unable to confirm Morocco's willingness to abstain or be absent on both Iran votes. The Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) is expected to encourage their constituencies to vote for no-action on Iran. If there is consensus in the OIC on the motion, Morocco will likely stand with the OIC, but if there is no consensus, Morocco will consider the U.S. position. Redoune agreed to share the U.S. request to abstain or be absent on the Iranian vote with his Ministry and the Moroccan UN permanent mission in New York. Comment: USUN follow-up with the Moroccan Mission on this issue could be useful. ***************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ***************************************** Riley