OIC CAMPAIGNING FOR SYG IHSANOGLU TO ATEND POTUS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 02 OF 02 JEDDAH 00017 SIPDIS DEPT FOR IO, IO/UNP(RMEYER,AMORRISON, NEA/ARP(JHARRIS), INFO DRL E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/21/2014 TAGS: KISL OFDP OPDC PREL SA OIC SUBJECT: OIC CAMPAIGNING FOR SYG IHSANOGLU TO ATEND POTUS SPEECH IN CAIRO AND TO SEND DELEGATIONTO WASHINGTON IN JUNE; SHARED OIC INTERNAL MEMO ONVEYS POSITIVE REFLECTIONS ON MAY 11 DEPT/NSC MEETINGS *********************** * Missing Section 001 * *********************** JEDDAH 00000017 002.2 OF 002 only in the interest of US-OIC relations but also for a channel of communication directly with His Excellency the Secretary General. There is a feeling of a kind of helplessness as the concerned officials try to devise an effective enough approach to improve relations and not to be seen in confrontational mode with the OIC Group at international fora. Their reliance on the good offices of His Excellency the Secretary General in this arena is particularly genuine. END QUOTE. ¶5. (C) "HIGHLY USEFUL" MEETING WITH IO: UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL AND DEFAMATION ISSUE: Abdul Wahab's May 13 fax memo describes his May 11 meetings in Washington as "highly useful," adding perspective on the US election to the UN Human Rights Council and the anti-defamation issue. Abdul Wahab exerts to characterize the USG position for the benefit of Cabinet Director General and other senior staff at the OIC Secretariat in Jeddah: BEGIN QUOTE. Let me highlight that in view of the expectations of the United States winning the elections to the Human Rights Council (the US did win a seat at yesterday's elections to the HRC),a great deal of the focus of my interlocutors was on cooperation between the US and the OIC in the context of issues at the Council. I found them to be keen on avoiding confrontation with the OIC Group on the 'Defamation of Religions' resolutions though they clearly stated that the US would not be able to accept any text that even remotely attempts at placing restrictions on freedom of expression. Dr. Brimmer explained that the administration would wish to work closely with the OIC Group and all members to enable the HRC to play its due role in accordance with its mandate. A senior official remarked that the HRC is unfortunately on a course that appears to be as problematic as was the state of affairs in the erstwhile Commission on Human Rights. It may be recalled that the previous administration had 'boycotted' the HRC; the new administration's policy and yesterday's election giving the US a seat on the HRC is being treated as a historic opportunity for the US to play a leadership role in the Council. Dr. Brimmer and all her colleagues stressed that (i) the US would wish to work with the OIC in an effort to resolve differences on the text; (ii) the US respects the OIC's core desire of ensuring respect for Islam, the Holy Prophet and Muslims; (iii) the real problem on this resolution is that no US authority can violate the Constitution's First Amendment...and (iv) the US and OIC should work together to work out a text that would project a 'positive vision' and 'focus on ensuring tolerance and respect.' END QUOTE. ¶6. (C) Post is providing IO, IO/UNP and NEA/ARP a scan of the complete May 13 memo/email from Abdul Wahab. (C) COMMENT: It is clear from the internal communications shared with post that the OIC eagerly seeks opportunities for engagement and dialogue with the Obama Administration, including invitations to Cairo for POTUS speech and to Washington. Working overtime to present itself as a credible bloc representing the Islamic World, the OIC perceives the US-OIC connection as key to elevating its status. The organization can be expected to continue to push for senior meetings and to view the appointment of a Special Envoy as an urgent priority in order to realize its goals. END COMMENT. QUINN