RESPONSE TO ISRAEL REQUEST FOR GREATER BMENA ROLE

UNCLAS STATE 102542 SENSITIVE C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (SENSITIVE CAPTION ADDED) SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID KDEM KMPI PREL IS SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO ISRAEL REQUEST FOR GREATER BMENA ROLE REF: TEL AVIV 1975 ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 3. ¶2. (SBU) Background: On September 8, MFA Maghreb Director Eynat Shlein-Michael (reftel) requested a greater Israeli role in the BMENA process for the fall 2009 workshops and the November Forum for the Future ministerial in Morocco. Unfortunately, given the proximity to the start of these events, NEA feels there is not sufficient time to successfully press for Israeli inclusion. As BMENA evolves, member states may be interested in including Israeli delegates in future BMENA activities. NEA will engage with member states to build support for inclusion of Israeli delegates in future BMENA activities. ¶3. (SBU) Action Request: Please convey the following objectives to the Government of Israel: --Note USG commitment to work for Israeli inclusion in regional initiatives. --Convey that given the proximity to the start of 2009 activities, there is insufficient time to press for Israeli inclusion this year. --Express appreciation for GOI interest in BMENA and our support for possible future participation. --Reiterate USG commitment to keep Israel appraised of BMENA developments in the meantime. ¶4. (U) Please report delivery of the above objectives and any GOI response to NEA/IPA Karlene Frelich and NEA/PI Charles Kiamie. CLINTON