GABON: FORWARD THINKING TO NEGATE DEFAMATION OF RELIGION

UNCLAS LIBREVILLE 000550 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR S FROM AMBASSADOR EUNICE REDDICK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL KISL KDEM PROVE OPDC GB SUBJECT: GABON: FORWARD THINKING TO NEGATE DEFAMATION OF RELIGION IN THE UN (S/ES: 200922459) REF: STATE 128320 ¶1. (SBU) I welcome the opportunity to work with you on combating racial and religious discrimination and intolerance (reftel). In the past, unfortunately GABON has voted "yes" and abstained on the anti-defamation resolutions, despite our efforts. Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials have explained that they voted with other African countries on the issue. Perceived African "solidarity" is a challenge that could be eroded with targeted high level conversations on the margins of the African Union (AU) heads of state summit in late January. In addition, French pressure on francophone West and Central Africa, and Chinese advocacy could help to assure countries with overlapping memberships in the AU and the Organization of Islamic Conference that their traditional political, economic, and military allies will stand by them. ¶2. (SBU) The challenge of block voting aside, I believe we have an opportunity to work closely with Gabon's new leader, President Ali Bongo Ondimba, leveraging his interest in improving his country's relationship with the United States. Bongo is a Muslim educated in the U.S., who wants GABON to be seen as a moderating force in regional and multilateral fora. GABON is a member of the Organization of Islamic Conference and GABON also will be a member of the U.N. Security Council in January. ¶3. (SBU) I would need to explore more deeply Gabon's specific concerns regarding the resolution with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to determine what arguments and incentives could change Gabon's position. I would then share my findings with the "Defamation of Religion" group. Any subsequent action on the issue would require interventions with the President and Foreign Minister to exercise leadership. In addition, I will brief Gabon's newly appointed Permanent Representative to the United Nations on the Action Plan to Combat Racial and Religious Discrimination and Intolerance" before he departs for New York. There is no guarantee that GABON will exercise leadership or change its position, but the new Gabonese Administration appears open to dialogue on issues of importance to the U.S. FITZGIBBON