MOROCCO: DEMARCHE ON OPPOSING UNGA RESOLUTIONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000920 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/20/2019 TAGS: PREL UNGA KPAL IS SY LE MO SUBJECT: MOROCCO: DEMARCHE ON OPPOSING UNGA RESOLUTIONS WITH ANTI-ISRAEL BIAS REF: SECSTATE 118799 Classified By: Political Counselor Gregory Thome, Reasons 1.4 (b,d). ¶1. (SBU) PolOff delivered subject demarche to Redouane Houssaini, Head of the MFA's United Nations Division, on November 20th. Houssaini stated that Morocco's voting record on these issues was well established, and that it would continue to be heavily influenced by the GOM's affiliation with the Organization of the Islamic Conference (IOC),the Arab League, and the UN Regional Africa Group. He also reminded us that breaking consensus with these the group was not something that Morocco viewed to be in its interests presently. However, he noted that Morocco has in the past and will continue to encourage a robust and balanced debate within these various groups on the pros and cons related to voting behavior on anti-Israel UNGA resolutions. ¶2. (SBU) Regarding the GOM's sentiments, Houssaini hoped that the recent initiatives and speeches by King Mohammad VI conveyed the GOM's heartfelt support for the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process. Houssaini also stated that the GOM supports and "believe sincerely" in President Obama and Secretary Clinton's endeavours towards peace in the region. ***************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Moro cco ***************************************** Kaplan