USG COMMENTS ON MOROCCO'S PROPOSED UNGA GICNT

UNCLAS RABAT 000709 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PARM PREL PTER UNGA KGIC RS MO SUBJECT: USG COMMENTS ON MOROCCO'S PROPOSED UNGA GICNT RESOLUTION DELIVERED REF: STATE 83499 ¶1. (SBU) On August 14, 2009, Acting Polcouns and Acting D/Polcouns delivered ref record copy with USG comments on Morocco's draft resolution in support of the Global Initiative for Combating Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) to Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Head of United Nations Division Redoune Houssaini. Mr. Houssaini said that his office will review the U.S. and Russian amendments to the resolution. If the language is acceptable, MFA will open a dialogue with the USG and GOR on a mutually acceptable target date for introducing the resolution at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this fall, most likely during the general debate. ¶2. (SBU) Houssaini said the MFA would consult with USG and GOR to devise a strategy for expanding consultation on the draft resolution to include other countries before its introduction to the General Assembly in order to maximize its chances of being adopted. Houssaini considered consultations with the U.K., France, China, and India to be at the top of the list, but solicited U.S. input in this regard. If the amended language of the draft resolution is not acceptable to the GOM, MFA will amend and return the resolution for USG and Government of Russia (GOR) review. ¶3. (SBU) At a follow-up meeting on August 18 with Acting Polcouns, Houssaini mentioned that the make-up of the Moroccan delegation to the UNGA this fall will include at least Foreign Minister Taieb Fassi Fihri as delegation head, MFA Director General for Multilateral Affairs (and Chief of Staff) Ambassador Nasser Bourita, and MFA Head of International Organizations Directorate Azzedine Farhane. The Moroccan delegation is tentatively scheduled to arrive in New York on September 22. ***************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Moro cco ***************************************** Jackson