Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08USUNNEWYORK898
2008-10-02 17:41:00
CONFIDENTIAL
USUN New York
Cable title:  

HIGH-LEVEL MEETING PLANNED WITH PGA ON INTER-FAITH

Tags:  PHUM PREL UNGA USUN KIRF KISL SA 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO7281
PP RUEHROV
DE RUCNDT #0898 2761741
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 021741Z OCT 08
FM USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5049
INFO RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH PRIORITY 0159
RUEHROV/AMEMBASSY VATICAN PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 000898 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/02/2018
TAGS: PHUM PREL UNGA USUN KIRF KISL SA
SUBJECT: HIGH-LEVEL MEETING PLANNED WITH PGA ON INTER-FAITH
DIALOGUE

REF: USUN 753

Classified By: Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for Reasons 1.4 (B and D).

C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 000898

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/02/2018
TAGS: PHUM PREL UNGA USUN KIRF KISL SA
SUBJECT: HIGH-LEVEL MEETING PLANNED WITH PGA ON INTER-FAITH
DIALOGUE

REF: USUN 753

Classified By: Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for Reasons 1.4 (B and D).


1. (C) Saudi Ambassador to the U.S. Adel Al-Jubeir told
Ambassador Khalilzad in a September 30 phone conversation
that the Saudis have agreed with General Assembly President
(PGA) Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann to hold a high level session
on inter-faith dialogue November 12 or 13, which the
Secretary General would support. According to Al-Jubeir,
Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal met with d'Escoto, who
believed an agreement had been reached with the Vatican.
Al-Jubeir said Terje Larson would support the process, adding
that King Abdullah would attend the high level session, along
with several heads of state including UK Prime Minister
Gordon Brown, Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,
and many European and Arab leaders. King Abdullah intends to
reach out to President Bush regarding his possible
participation.


2. (C) During an October 1 meeting with Ambassador Khalilzad,
the Secretary General said he believed the Vatican will not
oppose, although is not enthusiastic about, the high level
session. However, the Vatican wants to change the Madrid
Conference's final declaration, which was not coordinated
with other faiths, to take account of Vatican concerns. He
told Ambassador Khalilzad the high level session would be a
significant event involving Middle Eastern and Muslim
leaders, possibly the Spanish King, and many members of the
General Assembly. He looked forward to senior level U.S.
participation and said it would be good for President Bush to
come and speak at the session. The SYG will be available to
attend on November 12.

Khalilzad