VZCZCXRO3074
PP RUEHTRO
DE RUEHLO #1824 1911650
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 091650Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY LONDON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9160
INFO RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI PRIORITY 0241

C O N F I D E N T I A L LONDON 001824 
 
NOFORN 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/09/2018 
TAGS: PREL UNSC KPAL IS UK
SUBJECT: UK ON ARAB GROUP DRAFT UNSCR ON ISRAELI SETTLEMENTS 
 
REF: STATE 73171 
 
Classified By: Political Counselor Richard Mills, reasons 1.4 b, d  

¶1.  (C) HMG agrees that the Arab Group draft text on a UNSCR on Israeli settlement activity is not acceptable, FCO Near East Group Head Rob Timline told us July 9 in response to reftel demarche.  The UK embassy in Tripoli raised the issue with Libyan Secretary for Arab Affairs Mohammed Siala on July 7, and came away with the impression Siala understood the Libyan position was not helpful, Timline said.  However, only Qadhafi's opinion really matters in the end, Timline noted wryly.  

¶2.  (C/NF) The UK very much wants to avoid a confrontation (i.e. veto scenario) which would be unhelpful to all concerned, Timline said.  Nonetheless, HMG would prefer to see a UNSCR in support of the peace process go forward at this time, and not wait until September.  The UNSC hasn't addressed the issue for a long time, and a positive resolution now could be helpful.  The UK is more prepared to accept tough language on settlements than the U.S. probably is, Timline opined.  Although PM Gordon Brown is headed to Israel in two weeks' time, this is not a major factor in UK decision-making on the UNSCR, since the PM's schedule there, including a speech to the Knesset, will highlight the positive aspects of the UK-Israel relationship, Cabinet Office MEPP desk officer Brian Jones said.  

¶3.  (U) Tripoli minimize considered.  Visit London's Classified Website: XXXXXXXXXXXX 
LeBaron