P3 MEETS WITH DJIBOUTIAN PERMREP ON DJIBOUTI

C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 000710 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF, IO, PM, USUN/W E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/20/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER PHUM MARR MOPS KPKO UNSC ER DJ SUBJECT: P3 MEETS WITH DJIBOUTIAN PERMREP ON DJIBOUTI SANCTIONS RESOLUTION Classified By: Ambassador Rosemary DiCarlo, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. SUMMARY: (C) In a July 20 meeting, the P3 met with Djiboutian Permanent Representative Olhaye to discuss Djibouti's draft resolution calling for sanctioning those who led the drive to invade and occupy Djiboutian territory. Olhaye dismissed the P3's proposal to use the existing Somalia Sanction Committee to sanction Eritreans who are responsible for actions in Somalia and Djibouti, emphasizing that this avenue offers little politically for Djibouti. Olhaye proposed basing a new resolution on UNSCR Resolution 1844 (which establishes a sanctions framework on those who undermine stability in Somalia) that would include references to UNSCR Resolution 1862, which deals with the Djibouti-Eritrea border dispute. END SUMMARY ¶2. (C) Djiboutian Permanent Representative Ambassador Roble Olhaye, reviewed with the P-3 Djibouti's draft resolution calling for sanctioning individuals and entities involved in, "masterminding the attack and subsequent occupation," of Djiboutian territories on July 20. Ambassador Olhaye lamented Eritrea's lack of compliance with Resolution 1862, which calls on Eritrea to withdraw its forces from Djiboutian territory, and stated that Djibouti is, "a victim waiting for justice," left with no alternative than to seek sanctions against Eritrea. He pointed to Eritrea's recent statements calling Ras Doumeira and Doumerira Island sovereign territory as proof that Eritrea has no plans to fulfill its obligations. ¶3. (C) Members of the P3, which included the French Deputy Permanent Representative La Croix, UK Political Advisor Roscoe and Ambassador DiCarlo, were unanimous in their condemnation of Eritrea's actions. France presented the idea of using the existing Somalia Sanctions Committee to sanction those Eritreans who spearheaded both the Djibouti-Eritrea border conflict and the support of the insurgency in Somalia. In response to Ambassador Olhaye's concerns that using a Somalia sanctions committee approach would put Djibouti, "under the shadow of Somalia," Lacroix offered the idea of issuing a Presidential Statement condemning Eritrea in conjunction with the designation of new names for the sanctions list. While none of the P3 ruled out further action, all stressed the importance of building Council unity on Eritrea via a step-by-step approach before moving forward with a new sanctions regime. ¶4. (C) An impassioned Ambassador Olhaye reacted with frustration to the P3's proposal, stating that it offered "nothing" for Djibouti. He expressed doubt that members of the Security Council would object to a new sanctions framework for Eritrea, stating that Uganda and Burkina Faso are firmly on board, and, "even Russia is ready." He admitted that China's position was less certain, but said they would likely follow the rest of the Council, pointing to precedents including Iran and DPRK. He urged the P3 to be proactive on sanctions and that the rest of the Council will follow if the P3's leadership develops. Olhaye said that a new resolution will boost the morale of Djiboutian soldiers who have been waiting for six months for something to happen; without one Djibouti will need to, "go out and do what we need to do." In closing, Olhaye offered the idea of presenting new Eritrean names for designation for actions in both Somalia and Djibouti in the form of a new resolution. ¶5. (C) After Ambassador Olhaye's departure, the P3 agreed to consult further on this issue, while acknowledging that initial Russia and Chinese reactions to the new names proposed by the Somalia Sanctions Committee have been negative. RICE