INSTRUCTIONS FOR CAMBODIAN-THAI BORDER ISSUE IN

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 079164 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/23/2018 TAGS: PREL UNSC PBTS CB TH SUBJECT: INSTRUCTIONS FOR CAMBODIAN-THAI BORDER ISSUE IN UNSC REF: STATE 78884 (NOTAL) Classified By: IO PDAS James Warlick, Reasons 1.4 (b) & (d) ¶1. (C) BACKGROUND AND ACTION REQUEST: Department understands that France has agreed to support a request by Cambodia to raise the Cambodia-Thailand dispute over border demarcation around the Preah Vihear temple under "Other Matters" in the Security Council July 23, with the intended outcome a Council discussion early next week, possibly July 28. With the Secretary in the region and ASEAN actively engaged in formulating a solution, Department does not support bringing the issue into the Security Council at this time, but nevertheless USUN should not block discussion of it. USUN should use points in para 2 below to informally seek the support of other members in keeping the issue out of the Council. USUN should emphasize our support for bilateral dialogue and ASEAN's efforts in this afternoon's discussion. USUN should seek further guidance if the U.S. is isolated in this position. End Background and Action Request. ¶2. (U) Begin points. -- The United States remains very concerned about the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand and encourages them to resolve the matter diplomatically. We urge both sides to exercise maximum restraint and to take all necessary steps to reduce tensions and avoid any inadvertent clash. -- We strongly support existing bilateral and multilateral efforts, including by ASEAN and its member states, to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the situation. UNSC action at this time could complicate these efforts. -- We hope you agree and will make your position clear when the issue comes up for discussion under "Other Matters" this afternoon. RICE