UNGA 64: DEMARCHE DELIVERED, MOROCCAN GOALS AND

UNCLAS RABAT 000764 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/MAG, ISN/MNSA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MO PARM PGOV PREL UNGA SUBJECT: UNGA 64: DEMARCHE DELIVERED, MOROCCAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES REF: STATE 90254 ¶1. (SBU) On September 10, PolCouns and DPolCouns delivered reftel information to Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs United Nations and International Organizations Director Azzedine Farhane and United Nations Division Chief Redouane Houssaini. PolCouns highlighted reftel background on nonproliferation, peacekeeping, human rights, and Arab states' normalization of relations with Israel as issues of particular importance. Farhane in response outlined Moroccan efforts to promote the first three, but he did not engage the fourth. He applauded the U.S. decision to return to the Human Rights Council, noting that Morocco was the first country to urge in writing that the US reengage with the Council. ¶2. (SBU) In discussing Moroccan goals and objectives for UNGA 64, Farhane and Houssaini highlighted the environment, the global economic crisis, peacekeeping operations, and the Western Sahara as issues on which Morocco would focus. Regarding the last, he reasserted support for the process undertaken by UNSYG Personal Envoy Christopher Ross. He noted as well that Morocco hopes to gain a seat on the Security Council as a non-permanent member in 2011. Post will forward additional information on Moroccan UNGA engagement as it becomes available. ***************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Moro cco ***************************************** Jackson