Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09RABAT6
2009-01-05 18:05:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Rabat
Cable title:
MOROCCAN FM STAYING IN NEW YORK TO GET GAZA
O 051805Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY RABAT TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9510 INFO ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000006
STATE FOR NEA/MAG, IO/UNP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/04/2034
TAGS: PREL PHUM KPAL KWBG UNSC MO
SUBJECT: MOROCCAN FM STAYING IN NEW YORK TO GET GAZA
RESOLUTION
REF: RABAT 5
Classified By: PolCouns Craig Karp for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000006
STATE FOR NEA/MAG, IO/UNP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/04/2034
TAGS: PREL PHUM KPAL KWBG UNSC MO
SUBJECT: MOROCCAN FM STAYING IN NEW YORK TO GET GAZA
RESOLUTION
REF: RABAT 5
Classified By: PolCouns Craig Karp for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) MFA COS Bourita (protect) told Polcouns this
afternoon that FM Fassi Fihri was in New York with the Arab
FM delegation, led by Saudi FM el Faisal. They were about to
go into a meeting with the SYG. Bourita said the Arab Group
was seeking an UNSC resolution which would produce an
immediate cease fire. They understood and accepted USG
interest in a lasting comprehensive solution re: Hamas
rocketing, but this could take time. Their immediate goal
was to stop the images of carnage of innocent civilians
emanating hourly from satellite TV. Fassi Fihri was planning
to stay in NY to get this done. Morocco would continue to
lead the Arab group at the Permrep level only.
2. (C) Speaking personally, Bourita said that while the
Israeli success rate on targeting Hamas shows how good IDF
intelligence was, even the twenty five percent of civilians
among the dead was still outrageous and having a devastating
effect on the popular mood. Hamas has shown itself weak, and
it is no Hezbullah, he said, but it has gained politically
from the pounding. While the situation was triggered by
events following the expiration of the cease fire, the true
causes of the current crisis go back years. The Hamas
delegation in Cairo was a good sign. Once a cease fire was
in place and the situation stabilized there might be an
opportunity for more far-reaching progress.
3. (SBU) Comment: Since reftel, we continue to receive
reports of small-scale, scattered, and spontaneous, but
peaceful protests from around Morocco, largely involving
youth.
*****************************************
Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website;
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat
*****************************************
Riley
STATE FOR NEA/MAG, IO/UNP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/04/2034
TAGS: PREL PHUM KPAL KWBG UNSC MO
SUBJECT: MOROCCAN FM STAYING IN NEW YORK TO GET GAZA
RESOLUTION
REF: RABAT 5
Classified By: PolCouns Craig Karp for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) MFA COS Bourita (protect) told Polcouns this
afternoon that FM Fassi Fihri was in New York with the Arab
FM delegation, led by Saudi FM el Faisal. They were about to
go into a meeting with the SYG. Bourita said the Arab Group
was seeking an UNSC resolution which would produce an
immediate cease fire. They understood and accepted USG
interest in a lasting comprehensive solution re: Hamas
rocketing, but this could take time. Their immediate goal
was to stop the images of carnage of innocent civilians
emanating hourly from satellite TV. Fassi Fihri was planning
to stay in NY to get this done. Morocco would continue to
lead the Arab group at the Permrep level only.
2. (C) Speaking personally, Bourita said that while the
Israeli success rate on targeting Hamas shows how good IDF
intelligence was, even the twenty five percent of civilians
among the dead was still outrageous and having a devastating
effect on the popular mood. Hamas has shown itself weak, and
it is no Hezbullah, he said, but it has gained politically
from the pounding. While the situation was triggered by
events following the expiration of the cease fire, the true
causes of the current crisis go back years. The Hamas
delegation in Cairo was a good sign. Once a cease fire was
in place and the situation stabilized there might be an
opportunity for more far-reaching progress.
3. (SBU) Comment: Since reftel, we continue to receive
reports of small-scale, scattered, and spontaneous, but
peaceful protests from around Morocco, largely involving
youth.
*****************************************
Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website;
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat
*****************************************
Riley