Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09LILONGWE591
2009-11-03 11:32:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Lilongwe
Cable title:
MALAWI: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON 64TH UN GENERAL
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHLG #0591 3071132 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 031132Z NOV 09 FM AMEMBASSY LILONGWE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0027 INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0611
C O N F I D E N T I A L LILONGWE 000591
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/03/2019
TAGS: PHUM PREL UNGA MI
SUBJECT: MALAWI: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON 64TH UN GENERAL
ASSEMBLY, THIRD COMMITTEE AGENDA
REF: STATE 109397
Classified By: Peter W. Bodde, Chief of
Mission, for Reason(s) 1.4(b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L LILONGWE 000591
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/03/2019
TAGS: PHUM PREL UNGA MI
SUBJECT: MALAWI: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON 64TH UN GENERAL
ASSEMBLY, THIRD COMMITTEE AGENDA
REF: STATE 109397
Classified By: Peter W. Bodde, Chief of
Mission, for Reason(s) 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (U) Post delivered reftel demarche to GOM Ministry of
Foreign Affairs Director of Political Affairs Paul
Chiunguzeni. Specific information on each priority area
follows.
2. (C) On no-action motions, Chiunguzeni stated that Malawi's
policy would be to listen to the debate on any and all
motions before taking a position, and that this policy
extended to no-action motions as well. On country-specific
resolutions on Iran, Burma, and the DPRK, Chiunguzeni
reiterated Malawi's stance that one country resolutions are
"ill-advised," and that the Human Rights Committee is the
proper forum for these issues. When reminded of Malawi's
voting record at last year's UNGA ("no" on the Iran
resolution, "yes" on the DPRK resolution, and abstained from
voting on the Burma resolution),he admitted Malawi's
previous approach to country-specific resolutions was
"indefensible," and that they were in the process of
rethinking their positions.
3. (C) On the Defamation of Religions resolution, we noted
that Malawi's 2008 abstention was at odds with the country's
well developed principles on freedom of religion.
Chiunguzeni admitted GOM officials had not studied the
resolution at last year's UNGA, and that was the basis for
their abstention rather than rejection. He said that the GOM
would examine the issue closely, and consider voting against
the resolution this year. On the Elections resolution,
Chiunguzeni said it tracked well with the principles espoused
by the African Union and the Southern Africa Development
Community (SADC),and that Malawi would support it.
Comment
--------------
4. (C) The GOM often defaults to the SADC or AU position
instead of analyzing issues thoroughly. Post will encourage
the GOM to approach UNGA issues independently and press for
their support of USG priorities en lieu of default positions.
BODDE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/03/2019
TAGS: PHUM PREL UNGA MI
SUBJECT: MALAWI: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON 64TH UN GENERAL
ASSEMBLY, THIRD COMMITTEE AGENDA
REF: STATE 109397
Classified By: Peter W. Bodde, Chief of
Mission, for Reason(s) 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (U) Post delivered reftel demarche to GOM Ministry of
Foreign Affairs Director of Political Affairs Paul
Chiunguzeni. Specific information on each priority area
follows.
2. (C) On no-action motions, Chiunguzeni stated that Malawi's
policy would be to listen to the debate on any and all
motions before taking a position, and that this policy
extended to no-action motions as well. On country-specific
resolutions on Iran, Burma, and the DPRK, Chiunguzeni
reiterated Malawi's stance that one country resolutions are
"ill-advised," and that the Human Rights Committee is the
proper forum for these issues. When reminded of Malawi's
voting record at last year's UNGA ("no" on the Iran
resolution, "yes" on the DPRK resolution, and abstained from
voting on the Burma resolution),he admitted Malawi's
previous approach to country-specific resolutions was
"indefensible," and that they were in the process of
rethinking their positions.
3. (C) On the Defamation of Religions resolution, we noted
that Malawi's 2008 abstention was at odds with the country's
well developed principles on freedom of religion.
Chiunguzeni admitted GOM officials had not studied the
resolution at last year's UNGA, and that was the basis for
their abstention rather than rejection. He said that the GOM
would examine the issue closely, and consider voting against
the resolution this year. On the Elections resolution,
Chiunguzeni said it tracked well with the principles espoused
by the African Union and the Southern Africa Development
Community (SADC),and that Malawi would support it.
Comment
--------------
4. (C) The GOM often defaults to the SADC or AU position
instead of analyzing issues thoroughly. Post will encourage
the GOM to approach UNGA issues independently and press for
their support of USG priorities en lieu of default positions.
BODDE