Cablegate: Minurso Consultations

VZCZCXYZ0003
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #9164 2982229
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P R 252213Z OCT 07
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 9292
INFO UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
RUEHAS/AMEMBASSY ALGIERS 0036
RUEHMD/AMEMBASSY MADRID 7192
RUEHNK/AMEMBASSY NOUAKCHOTT 0108
RUEHRB/AMEMBASSY RABAT 3204

UNCLAS STATE 149164

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV UNSC MO AG WI
SUBJECT: MINURSO CONSULTATIONS

1. (U) USUN is instructed to draw from the following talking
points during the 26 October 2007 UN Security Council
consultations on MINURSO.

Begin Talking Points:

-- We are pleased that Morocco and the Polisario have met for
two rounds of negotiations under the auspices of the United
Nations. We welcome this development and urge both parties
to commit to full discussion of the substantive issues during
the next round of talks.

-- We believe that meaningful autonomy is a promising and
realistic way forward. Morocco,s proposal is a serious and
credible initiative that provides the realistic basis for
negotiations.

-- We support a renewal of the MINURSO mandate at this time;
however, the USG wants to see progress towards a political
solution of this conflict before the next renewal.

-- We hope to hear soon that the parties have agreed to a
date and venue for the third round of talks.

-- The United States remains convinced that the Western
Sahara conflict continues to impede regional integration and
development in the Maghreb. Unresolved, this humanitarian
crisis leaves the Sahrawi people with a bleak future.

End Talking Points:

2. (U) Please contact LTC James Thomas, IO/PSC at
202-736-7737 for any additional questions or concerns.
RICE

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