PAKISTAN REQUESTS USG SUPPORT BID FOR SECURITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L ISLAMABAD 002706 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/09/2034 TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER PREF EAID PK SUBJECT: PAKISTAN REQUESTS USG SUPPORT BID FOR SECURITY COUNCIL SEAT Classified By: Anne W. Patterson for reasons 1.4 (b) (d) ¶1. (U) On October 16, post received a diplomatic note in which the GOP formally requested USG support for its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2012-2013. They noted that Pakistan last served on the Security Council 10 years ago and that their candidature has been endorsed by the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Council of Ministers. They also stated that they currently contribute 10,580 troops and other personnel to 11 UN Peacekeeping Operations and that Pakistan would seek to strengthen the UN's role in peacekeeping, peace building and preventative diplomacy. Post has faxed a copy of the diplomatic note to SCA/PB. ¶2. (C) Comment: Membership on the UNSC will be important to the Pakistani military and intelligence leadership. Our support or opposition to Pakistan's candidature is one possible pressure point to use in attempting to leverage more productive Pakistani engagement with the UN and the international community. PATTERSON