MOROCCO OFFERS MIXED SUPPORT FOR UNGA THIRD

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000830 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/04/2028 TAGS: PHUM PREL UN MO SUBJECT: MOROCCO OFFERS MIXED SUPPORT FOR UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE 2008 HUMAN RIGHTS PRIORITIES REF: 93981 Classified By: DEP/POLCOUNS David R. O'Connor for Reasons 1.4 (b) and ( d) (C) Poloff delivered reftel demarche on September 3 to Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Head of the United Nations Division Azzedine Farhane concerning the U.S. desire for Morocco to support open debates on all human rights issues in the U.N. While stating that Morocco will continue its close working relationship with the U.S. on future human rights issues, Farhane added that Morocco must always consider the positions of their Africa Group, Arab League, and Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) constituencies. (C) On the issue of Morocco taking a stand against all no-action motions, Farhane stated that Morocco would like for there to be a clear and open debate on all human rights issues. Concerning the U.N. resolution condemning Iran's human rights violations, Farhane stated that the OIC will likely put forth a "no action motion." If there is a consensus in the OIC on the motion, Morocco will stand with the OIC, but if there is no concensus, Morocco will consider the U.S. position. (C) Morocco will support the UN resolutions condemning Burma's and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's human rights record but will likely side with the Africa Group's anticipated "no action motion" regarding the resolution on Zimbabwe. ***************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ***************************************** Jackson