GUATEMALA ON CUBAN EMBARGO RESOLUTION AT UN

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 002759 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CCA, IO/UNP, AND USUN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM CU GT UNGA SUBJECT: GUATEMALA ON CUBAN EMBARGO RESOLUTION AT UN REF: STATE 301451 (SBU/NF) PolCouns and PolOff discussed reftel points with Carla Rodriguez, Director General for Multilateral Affairs at the Foreign Ministry on October 28, and urged the GOG, in light of the recent arrests of human rights workers in Cuba, to reconsider its traditional vote in favor of the Cuban UN resolution against the embargo. Rodriguez said that Guatemala's vote on this issue will not change from previous years, however, she agreed that it was important that the Castro regime not be given a "blank check" as a result of the vote. Rodriguez agreed to propose to Foreign Minister Gutierrez that the GOG present a written explanation of vote addressing the deteriorated situation of human rights in Cuba. HAMILTON