B-K ACTION REQUEST: DECEMBER VOTE ON "DEFAMATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L FREETOWN 000470

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/02/2019
TAGS: PHUM KIRF SL
SUBJECT: B-K ACTION REQUEST: DECEMBER VOTE ON "DEFAMATION
OF RELIGIONS"

REF: STATE 122637

Classified By: CDA Glenn Fedzer for reason 1.4 (d)


1. (U) Reftel demarche was delivered to Ministry of Foreign
Affairs Deputy Director General Khadijatu Bashir, normally
the number four person in the Ministry but currently acting
Foreign Minister (the incumbent returns from the Hajj on
December 3, with other senior officials also abroad). The
acting Foreign Minister was unaware that Sierra Leone had
voted yes for the resolution, and said she found it helpful
to know that Ghana had abstained. She promised a review of
the vote, and indicated she would prepare a position paper
supportive of the U.S. position on the vote for Foreign
Minister Bangura on her return.


2. (C) Mrs. Bashir's comment on the demarche was a
surprise, as ministry officials other than the Foreign
Minister normally avoid substantive comments on policy. Her
interest in converting the vote to something more supportive
of the U.S. is sincere, however (she is a relative of a local
embassy employee),but as she normally focuses on internal
Ministry administration, it is no surprise that she was not
informed, or following, the voting in the Third Committee.
Based on her comments, there is a chance that Sierra Leone's
support of the resolution could be converted into an
abstention, but this decision may ultimately hinge on the
Foreign Minister's experience during the Hajj in Saudi
Arabia. If positive, she may be unwilling to aggravate
relations with the OIC so soon on her return. Regardless,
post will follow up where possible to encourage a change in
Sierra Leone's position.
FEDZER