THE GOLDSTONE REPORT RE GAZA -- SEEKING INDONESIAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 001614

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, NEA/IPA
(J.GIAUQUE),IO/RHS (C.ENAV AND K.RAZZOUK)
NSC FOR D.WALTON

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/28/2019
TAGS: PREL KPAL PHUM IS ID
SUBJECT: THE GOLDSTONE REPORT RE GAZA -- SEEKING INDONESIAN
SUPPORT FOR CONSTRUCTIVE OUTCOMES

REF: STATE 98567

Classified By: Pol/C Joseph L. Novak, reasons 1.4(b+d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: Mission has discussed reftel message
regarding the report of the UN Fact Finding Mission on the
Gaza Conflict with GOI officials, underscoring U.S. concern
about the report's unbalanced focus on Israeli actions. We
stressed the need to seek a constructive resolution on the
matter in the UN Human Rights Council. Indonesian officials
are still reviewing the report and look forward to further
discussions on it in Geneva. They added that they had deep
concerns about Israel's action during the Gaza conflict. END
SUMMARY.

REVIEWING USG POINTS


2. (C) Poloff discussed reftel concerns regarding the report
of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza
Conflict (the Goldstone Report) with officials in the
Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs (DEPLU) on September

28. He noted that the report was unbalanced in its focus on
Israel, and it made sweeping and unsubstantiated factual and
legal conclusions.

LOOKING TO CONSTRUCTIVE OUTCOMES


3. (C) Poloff explained that the USG sought a constructive
way forward and believed that the report should be handled
within the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). He urged Indonesia
to work with us to formulate a balanced resolution that
recognized that the report but did not endorse it. He also
noted that the report could have negative consequences for
President Obama's efforts to advance a two-state solution to
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He urged that Indonesia
carefully review the report in light of the USG points, and
seek constructive ways for all sides to look to the future
and support the goal of a two-state solution.

GOI STILL REVIEWING REPORT; CONCERNED ABOUT ISRAELI ACTIONS


4. (C) DEPLU interlocutors told us that the GOI is still
reviewing the report and had not yet formulated a position on
it. Indonesia supported President Obama's efforts to resolve
the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians, and
agreed that the international community must avoid outcomes
that jeopardized the peace process. Indonesian officials
said they looked forward to consultations with the United
States regarding a resolution on the matter in the HRC. That
said, GOI contacts underscored deep concerns about Israeli
actions during the Gaza conflict and said that these concerns
must be addressed in international bodies.


HUME