MALAWI: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON 64TH UN GENERAL

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