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