VZCZCXYZ0001
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHFN #0470 3361638
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 021638Z DEC 09
FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 3015

C O N F I D E N T I A L FREETOWN 000470 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/02/2019 
TAGS: PHUM KIRF SL
SUBJECT: B-K ACTION REQUEST: DECEMBER VOTE ON "DEFAMATION 
OF RELIGIONS" 
 
REF: STATE 122637 
 
Classified By: CDA Glenn Fedzer for reason 1.4 (d) 
 
¶1.  (U)  Reftel demarche was delivered to Ministry of Foreign 
Affairs Deputy Director General Khadijatu Bashir, normally 
the number four person in the Ministry but currently acting 
Foreign Minister (the incumbent returns from the Hajj on 
December 3, with other senior officials also abroad). The 
acting Foreign Minister was unaware that Sierra Leone had 
voted yes for the resolution, and said she found it helpful 
to know that Ghana had abstained.  She promised a review of 
the vote, and indicated she would prepare a position paper 
supportive of the U.S. position on the vote for Foreign 
Minister Bangura on her return. 
 
¶2.  (C)  Mrs. Bashir's comment on the demarche was a 
surprise, as ministry officials other than the Foreign 
Minister normally avoid substantive comments on policy.  Her 
interest in converting the vote to something more supportive 
of the U.S. is sincere, however (she is a relative of a local 
embassy employee), but as she normally focuses on internal 
Ministry administration, it is no surprise that she was not 
informed, or following, the voting in the Third Committee. 
Based on her comments, there is a chance that Sierra Leone's 
support of the resolution could be converted into an 
abstention, but this decision may ultimately hinge on the 
Foreign Minister's experience during the Hajj in Saudi 
Arabia.  If positive, she may be unwilling to aggravate 
relations with the OIC so soon on her return.  Regardless, 
post will follow up where possible to encourage a change in 
Sierra Leone's position. 
FEDZER