Cablegate: Response to Israel Request for Greater Bmena Role

VZCZCXYZ0001
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #2542 2750535
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 012158Z OCT 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV PRIORITY 9494
INFO RUEHJM/AMCONSUL JERUSALEM PRIORITY 5784

UNCLAS STATE 102542

SENSITIVE

C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (SENSITIVE CAPTION ADDED)

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID KDEM KMPI PREL IS
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO ISRAEL REQUEST FOR GREATER BMENA ROLE

REF: TEL AVIV 1975

1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 3.

2. (SBU) Background: On September 8, MFA Maghreb Director
Eynat Shlein-Michael (reftel) requested a greater Israeli
role in the BMENA process for the fall 2009 workshops and the
November Forum for the Future ministerial in Morocco.
Unfortunately, given the proximity to the start of these
events, NEA feels there is not sufficient time to
successfully press for Israeli inclusion. As BMENA evolves,
member states may be interested in including Israeli
delegates in future BMENA activities. NEA will engage with
member states to build support for inclusion of Israeli
delegates in future BMENA activities.

3. (SBU) Action Request: Please convey the following
objectives to the Government of Israel:

--Note USG commitment to work for Israeli inclusion in
regional initiatives.

--Convey that given the proximity to the start of 2009
activities, there is insufficient time to press for Israeli
inclusion this year.
--Express appreciation for GOI interest in BMENA and our
support for possible future participation.

--Reiterate USG commitment to keep Israel appraised of BMENA
developments in the meantime.

4. (U) Please report delivery of the above objectives and any
GOI response to NEA/IPA Karlene Frelich and NEA/PI Charles
Kiamie.
CLINTON

© Scoop Media