GUIDANCE: CLARIFYING USG POSITION TOWARDS

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 062006

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/09/2018
TAGS: UN PREL
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE: CLARIFYING USG POSITION TOWARDS
ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS GROUP OF FRIENDS

REF: EMAIL PHIPPS/REINEMEYER 05/28/2008

Classified By: IO DAS Brian Hook, for reason 1.4 (d).


1. (U) This is an action request, see para 3.


2. (C) Background: The Alliance of Civilizations (AOC) High
Representative Jorge Sampaio sent the U.S. Permanent
Representative to the UN a letter on May 9 welcoming "the
United States of AMERICA as an Observer to the Alliance of
Civilizations Group of Friends, following the request
transmitted to my Secretariat in New York." The letter also
looks forward to &active participation8 by the U.S. in the
AOC and USUN,s attendance at the Group of Friends meeting
scheduled for Tuesday, June 10. In addition to other issues,
the United States continues to be concerned about anti-U.S.
and anti-Israel statements in the Alliance for Civilizations
High Level Group Report, including:

-- &The Israeli-Palestinian issue has become a key symbol of
the rift between Western and Muslim societies and remains one
of the gravest threats to international stability8
(Highlights of the High Level Group Report, page 1).

-- &These resentments and perceptions were further
exacerbated by Israel,s disproportionate retaliatory actions
in Gaza and Lebanon (in summer 2006)8 (High Level Group
Report, section 4.4).

-- &It is important to note that Islamist activism does not
necessarily produce Islamist militancy within societies and
the latter does not automatically lead to violent
confrontation with the West. It is the invasion of certain
Muslim countries by Western military forces and their
continued presence in these countries. . .that are among the
reasons for violent manifestations.8 (High Level Group
Report, section 4.12).


3. (C) In light of these and other concerns, Department
requests USUN inform the Alliance of Civilizations
Secretariat that the U.S. is not an Observer to the AOC.
Additionally, USUN should not participate in or attend the
Friends meeting scheduled for June 10.
RICE