Cablegate: Expected Syrian Participation in Unga

VZCZCXYZ0017
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHDM #4315 2480726
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 050726Z SEP 06
FM AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1353
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0161

UNCLAS DAMASCUS 004315

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

PARIS FOR WALLER, LONDON FOR TSOU

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA OVIP PREL UNGA SY
SUBJECT: EXPECTED SYRIAN PARTICIPATION IN UNGA

REF: A. STATE 112656

B. STATE 136431

1. In response to Post's diplomatic note requesting
information solicited in reftels, the SARG notified Post on
September 4 that Syrian FM Walid Mu'allim will head the
Syrian delegation to UNGA, accompanied by his spouse, Sawsan
al-Khayat. According to the SARG's diplomatic note, other
delegation members are: Deputy FM Faisal Mikdad; Foreign
Media Director Bushra Kanafani; MFA legal advisor Riad
al-Daoudi; International Organizations Director Faisal
al-Hamwi; FM office director Bassam al-Sabbagh; Deputy FM
office director Hussam el-Din Ala; and Attach Hisham
al-Qadi. The delegation is scheduled to arrive in New York
on September 17, departing on September 26, according to the
SARG's diplomatic note. The SARG did not respond to a
request for information about translation needs, but Mu'allim
speaks fluent English.

2. Additionally, Post has recently issued a visa to Deputy
Minister for Social Affairs and Labor Issa Maldoun, who noted
on his visa application that he planned to attend the UN's
September 14-15 meeting on migration and development. Still
pending is a visa for Samir Obeido, who works in the FM's
office and who noted on his application submitted on August
23 that he would accompany the FM to UNGA sessions.
CORBIN

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