Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BANGKOK581
2009-03-06 10:10:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Bangkok
Cable title:
THAI MFA ENCOURAGED BY U.S. MIDDLE EAST POLICY
how-toVZCZCXRO1820 OO RUEHCHI RUEHCN RUEHDT RUEHHM DE RUEHBK #0581 0651010 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 061010Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6302 INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS PRIORITY RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 0218 RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING PRIORITY 6831 RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA PRIORITY 9488 RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI PRIORITY 5514 RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL PRIORITY 5321 RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO PRIORITY 1437 RUEHCHI/AMCONSUL CHIANG MAI PRIORITY 6278 RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC PRIORITY RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI PRIORITY
UNCLAS BANGKOK 000581
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS IZ TH
SUBJECT: THAI MFA ENCOURAGED BY U.S. MIDDLE EAST POLICY
REF: STATE 18283
UNCLAS BANGKOK 000581
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS IZ TH
SUBJECT: THAI MFA ENCOURAGED BY U.S. MIDDLE EAST POLICY
REF: STATE 18283
1. (SBU) We engaged Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
Director of the Middle-East Division Nat Pinyowattanacheep
March 6 regarding the review of U.S. policy in Iraq,
including the drawdown and transformation of the U.S. force
(reftel). Nat replied that the RTG found the U.S. approach
encouraging and would improve the U.S. image in Southeast
Asia. For its part, the Thai MFA was considering re-opening
its embassy in Baghdad, though its Embassy in Amman, which
covers Iraq, said the time was not yet right.
2. (SBU) Director Nat also inquired about U.S. policy
towards Iran and the Arab-Israeli Peace Process,
characterizing the U.S. role as critical to achieving peace
and stability in the region, much more so than other actors
such as the EU, and praising the new Administration's
approach and willingness to pursue dialogue. We explained
U.S. efforts, including the naming of Special Envoys Mitchell
and Ross. Nat suggested that achieving progress on Gaza was
important from the ASEAN perspective, given the interest of
Muslims in Indonesia, Malaysia, and southern Thailand have
for the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and would
also improve the standing of the U.S. in Southeast Asia.
JOHN
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS IZ TH
SUBJECT: THAI MFA ENCOURAGED BY U.S. MIDDLE EAST POLICY
REF: STATE 18283
1. (SBU) We engaged Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
Director of the Middle-East Division Nat Pinyowattanacheep
March 6 regarding the review of U.S. policy in Iraq,
including the drawdown and transformation of the U.S. force
(reftel). Nat replied that the RTG found the U.S. approach
encouraging and would improve the U.S. image in Southeast
Asia. For its part, the Thai MFA was considering re-opening
its embassy in Baghdad, though its Embassy in Amman, which
covers Iraq, said the time was not yet right.
2. (SBU) Director Nat also inquired about U.S. policy
towards Iran and the Arab-Israeli Peace Process,
characterizing the U.S. role as critical to achieving peace
and stability in the region, much more so than other actors
such as the EU, and praising the new Administration's
approach and willingness to pursue dialogue. We explained
U.S. efforts, including the naming of Special Envoys Mitchell
and Ross. Nat suggested that achieving progress on Gaza was
important from the ASEAN perspective, given the interest of
Muslims in Indonesia, Malaysia, and southern Thailand have
for the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and would
also improve the standing of the U.S. in Southeast Asia.
JOHN