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