OPPOSING UNGA RESOLUTIONS WITH ANTI-ISRAEL BIAS

UNCLAS NOUAKCHOTT 000756 C O R R E C T E D COPY (CAPTION) SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNGA KPAL IS SY LE SUBJECT: OPPOSING UNGA RESOLUTIONS WITH ANTI-ISRAEL BIAS REF: STATE 118799 1.(SBU) Ambassador drew on Ref talking points to demarche Foreign Minister Naha Mint Mouknass on November 23. Minister Mouknass listened attentively and assured Ambassador that she would give our views careful consideration. She dismissed much of the anti-Israel activity as "playing for the gallery" but agreed that it was not useful for Israel to feel that "its back was against the wall." Acknowledging that both sides in the conflict had rights and obligations, she urged that the USG press for more responsible Israeli behavior which would in turn "enable Arab governments to get better behavior from the Palestinians." 2.(SBU) Highlighting USG concerns about the three resolutions dealing with UN bodies focused exclusively on Palestinian issues, Ambassador urged that Mauritania abstain or be absent for these votes. Minister Mouknass acknowledged the request but made no commitments. BOULWARE