BUILDING BLOCKS FOR FEBRUARY 18 UNSC

UNCLAS STATE 014132 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC AG MO WI PBTS SUBJECT: BUILDING BLOCKS FOR FEBRUARY 18 UNSC CONSULTATIONS ON WESTERN SAHARA -------------- Summary and Action Request -------------- ¶1. (SBU) USUN may draw from the points and questions in paragraph three for the February 18 Security Council consultations on the Western Sahara. -------------- Objective -------------- ¶2. The U.S. objective is to indicate support for the UN-led process. -------------- Talking Points -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Begin Points: -- I want to thank Ambassador Ross for his briefing. -- The U.S. government continues to fully support the UN Secretary General and Ambassador Ross in their efforts to find a peaceful, sustainable, and mutually-agreed solution to the Western Sahara conflict. -- We welcome the two rounds of informal talks held under Ambassador Ross,s auspices, both those in August and February 10-11, and appreciate the UN Special Envoy,s review of the discussions held to date and the suggested next steps. -- Such talks promote the goal of increasing trust between the parties. Given the serious issues facing the region, we hope that all parties will continue to engage in confidence building measures. -- While recent events have intensified some of the existing tensions in the area, we hope that all parties will focus on the need to resolve the question of Western Sahara in accordance with resolution 1871 and previous Security Council resolutions. -- (If raised) The purpose of today,s briefing is not to review the MINURSO mandate which will be addressed in April after the Secretary General,s report has been issued. -- (If raised) The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Maghreb Affairs met with the four delegations following the second round of informal talks to directly express U.S. government support for the UN negotiation process and the importance of finding a mutually agreed solution to the WS conflict. CLINTON