DEMARCHE: PRESS FRANCE TO SUPPORT UN SANCTIONS ON

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 125228 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/03/2019 TAGS: PREL UNP PGOV ER FR SUBJECT: DEMARCHE: PRESS FRANCE TO SUPPORT UN SANCTIONS ON ERITREA Classified By: AF PDAS Donald Yamamoto for Reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) This is an action request, please see paragraph 3. Background -------------- ¶2. (C) The United States is vigorously supporting an African-led effort to impose UN Security Council sanctions on Eritrea for its actions destabilizing Somalia and maintaining forces on Djiboutian territory in contravention of UN Security Council resolution 1862 (2009). Uganda is spearheading the effort to adopt a new Security Council resolution that would impose targeted sanctions (asset freeze, travel ban, and targeted arms embargo) on those threatening the peace and security of the region. French officials previously told USUN that although they had some problems with the text, they would maintain a low profile during negotiations. Unfortunately, negotiation dynamics put France in the vocal opposition. At USUN Ambassador Susan Rice,s request, the French have agreed to be less vocal, but we are now working to gain their support. Action -------------- ¶3. (C) Embassy Paris is requested to immediately approach France,s Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the highest appropriate level to urge France to support United Nations Security Council sanctions against Eritrea. Post may draw on the points in para 4 below in discussions with the host government. Talking Points -------------- ¶4. (U) We would like your support in New York to adopt a robust UN sanctions regime on Eritrea. -- The sanctions resolution on Eritrea is a high priority resolution in the Security Council for the African Union (AU). -- Eritrea,s destabilizing actions in the region -- in particular, in Somalia and Djibouti -- are unacceptable. We should support this African-led UNSC initiative to solve a serious regional problem. -- Exposing P-3 divisions and undermining an important African priority will seriously hurt our efforts to send a clear message to Eritrea. If our message is that Africans must find solutions to African problems, then we must unite behind this African-led effort. -- We appreciate that you have agreed to be less vocal in opposing the resolution in New York. We are now asking that you withdraw your objections to targeted measures. These measures are, in and of themselves, an incremental step. A unanimous Committee decision would still be required to list any individual or entity for sanctions. IF NEEDED: -- The resolution is already weaker than earlier drafts given the removal during the P-3/Uganda negotiations of the measures that would ban investment in Eritrea,s mining sector and limit other financial flows to Eritrea. We delayed negotiations in an attempt to forge P-3/Uganda consensus. We have shown flexibility and are now asking for your cooperation. Point of Contact -------------- ¶5. (U) Please direct questions and response details to AF/E Marilyn Gayton Hamiel, 202-647-5922, email address GaytonMR@state.sgov.gov. CLINTON