LIBYAN MEMBERSHIP IN THE TRANS-SAHARA

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000033 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/MAG, AF/RSA AND S/CT E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/15/2018 TAGS: PTER PINS PREL XA XF MO SUBJECT: LIBYAN MEMBERSHIP IN THE TRANS-SAHARA COUNTERTERRORISM PARTNERSHIP REF: 07 STATE 167865 Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Robert P. Jackson for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) DCM raised reftel query on the inclusion of Libya in the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP) with MFA Director General for Bilateral Affairs (P-equiv) Youssef Amrani, on January 14, and conveyed talking points. DCM stressed the importance of a regional approach to defeat terrorism in the region. ¶2. (C) While indicating he would convey the question to his minister, Amrani was very positive. He welcomed the fact that the USG was now focusing on the regional nature of the terrorism threat, which Morocco has been highlighting for some time. The recent events in Mauritania and the cancellation of the Paris-Dakar road rally were of major concern to Morocco. ¶3. (C) Specifically, Amrani offered as a preliminary response that if the USG felt including Libya in TSCTP would be helpful, Morocco would not have a problem. In general, Amrani said, Morocco believed it was important to bring Libya into the range of regional and multilateral bodies and initiatives, rather than keeping them out, where the Libyans' might cause mischief. ¶4. (C) Amrani was accompanied by his senior staffer Karim Halim, our chief counterpart at the MFA on CT issues. Halim said the MFA would welcome any additional information on TSCTP the USG would care to provide. SIPDIS ¶5. (C) Comment: Amrani was circumspect in part because Arab Affairs are generally covered by another Director General. We understand that GOM cooperation with Libya on CT matters functions well, on a low-profile basis, if unevenly. While the GOM welcomes our intensified initiative and regional approach and is happy to continue to participate in events, it appears that it does not consider itelf a full-fledged "member" of TSCTP, which it imperfectly understands. End Comment. ***************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ***************************************** Riley