DEMARCHE MADE TO GOG ON IRAQ DONORS CONFERENCE

C O N F I D E N T I A L GUATEMALA 002660 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/16/2013 TAGS: PREL ECON EAID IZ GT SUBJECT: DEMARCHE MADE TO GOG ON IRAQ DONORS CONFERENCE REF: A. STATE 287999 ¶B. STATE 286648 Classified By: DCM Bruce Wharton for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) DCM and PolCouns met with Deputy Foreign Minister Gabriel Aguilera and MFA Director of Multilateral Affairs Carla Rodriguez on October 15 to urge the GOG to attend the Madrid Donors Conference and to pledge financial support for the reconstruction of Iraq. DCM noted that the whole international community shares an interest in the prompt reconstruction of Iraq, and that Guatemala's participation in the Madrid conference and a financial contribution by the GOG to the reconstruction effort would gain for Guatemala recognition among the international community. ¶2. (C) Aguilera acknowledged that the GOG had received an invitation from the Government of Spain to participate in the conference, but said that no determination had been taken yet by the GOG on its possible participation or on a financial contribution to Iraq's reconstruction. He commented that the MFA is seeking input from other ministries, and would inform us once a decision had been made. HAMILTON