US embassy cable - 05DJIBOUTI713

C O N F I D E N T I A L DJIBOUTI 000713 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR IO AND AF 
LONDON/PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/27/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, KUNR, DJ, UNSC, UNGA 
SUBJECT: UNSC REFORM: DEMARCHE TO DJIBOUTI'S FM ON UN REFORM 
 
REF: SECSTATE 137602 
 
Classified By: AMBASSADOR MARGUERITA D. RAGSDALE. 
REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D). 
 
 1. (C) As instructed reftel, Ambassador conveyed 7/26 to 
Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahmoud Ali Yousuf, 
the U.S. position on the G-4 framework resolution on 
expanding the United Nations Security Council.  She went 
through reftel points with the Minister and urged Djibouti to 
oppose the resolution.  She noted that the U.S. did not 
support a vote on any UNSC resolution at this time.  Should 
the resolution come to a vote, she asked that Djibouti vote 
against it or abstain. 
 
2. (C) The Minister responded that he was aware of U.S. 
opposition to the G-4 framework resolution and said Djibouti 
"takes note of the American position."  He stated that he 
could not provide to the U.S. a Djiboutian position at this 
point, but that a decision would be made in consultation with 
others.  He observed that Djibouti, a small country, has been 
under enormous pressure on this issue from G-4 members -- 
through visits of delegations, through messages, through 
phone calls -- and from "three" camps within the African 
Union. He said he doubted the G-4 would be able to muster the 
128 votes needed in the General Assembly to amend the UN 
Charter. 
 
3. (C) Speaking personally, Yousuf said he believes that any 
reform of this kind would need to be taken in context with 
overall U.N. reforms.  At the same time, he added, it would 
be unrealistic for member nations to think that they can move 
ahead on issues broadly if they do not have the support of 
the United States.  Yousuf also expressed doubt reforms such 
as these can move forward rapidly in the U.N.'s autumn 
session.  He expressed the belief that  more time will be 
needed for their maturity because of existing gaps in 
positions among member states. 
 
4. (C) We hope to be able to convey a final Djibouti position 
on the G-4 proposal in advance of any vote on this 
resolution. 
RAGSDALE