GENERAL COMMITTEE GUIDANCE (SEPT 17): NATURAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 099203

SIPDIS
USUN FOR DELAURENTIS AND WILLSON

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/16/2018
TAGS: PREL AORC KPAO UNGA
SUBJECT: GENERAL COMMITTEE GUIDANCE (SEPT 17): NATURAL
RESOURCES AND CONFLICT

Classified By: IO PDAS James Warlick. Reason 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (U) Following is guidance on a supplementary item proposed
for inclusion in the 63rd session of the UNGA: "Natural
Resources and Conflict." Guidance is for the September 17
General Committee meeting.


2. (SBU) The proposed item is based on Belgium's prior
sponsorship of a June 25 Security Council debate on the same
subject. Belgium will not introduce a resolution or propose
follow-on steps. Rather, Belgium will call for a
"non-polarizing" discussion of relevant issues in the General
Assembly, including a reference to the Extractive Industries
Transparency Initiative and African resources issues.


3. (C) The Russian Federation has opposed this agenda item
and has reconfirmed its opposition during a Belgium demarche
in Moscow. France (as EU President) and the UK plan to make
strong statements in support.


4. (SBU) In addressing this proposed agenda item, USUN should:

-- Join consensus for or, if the Mission must vote in the GC
on whether to inscribe this item, vote "yes."
RICE