Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03GUATEMALA370
2003-02-11 15:13:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Guatemala
Cable title:  

GUATEMALA NONCOMMITTAL ON IRAQ IN WAKE OF

Tags:  PREL PARM IZ GT UNSC 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L GUATEMALA 000370 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/09/2013
TAGS: PREL PARM IZ GT UNSC
SUBJECT: GUATEMALA NONCOMMITTAL ON IRAQ IN WAKE OF
SECRETARY'S UN PRESENTATION

SIPDIS

REF: STATE 34169

Classified By: Robert E. Copley for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L GUATEMALA 000370

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/09/2013
TAGS: PREL PARM IZ GT UNSC
SUBJECT: GUATEMALA NONCOMMITTAL ON IRAQ IN WAKE OF
SECRETARY'S UN PRESENTATION

SIPDIS

REF: STATE 34169

Classified By: Robert E. Copley for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Due to the absence of President Portillo on February
6, Ambassador Hamilton discussed Secretary Powell's UNSC
presentation of the case against Iraq with Vice President
Reyes (reftel). The Ambassador concluded that no one prefers
the option of war, and that the best way to convince Saddam
to disarm peacefully is for the international community to
stand united in its determination to compel Saddam to disarm.
Differences among the international community over the use
of force only strengthen Iraq's determination to resist
complying with UNSC resolutions. Reyes acknowledged the
point and said he had watched the Secretary's presentation
"live, in its entirety, and with great interest." He did not
comment on the GOG's position on Iraq, but requested a
Spanish-language translation of the Secretary's presentation
(note: A Spanish translation was sent to the Vice President
as soon as it was received from Washington).


2. (C) On February 10, the DCM raised the issue of Iraqi
non-compliance with Foreign Minister Edgar Gutierrez and sent
him with a Spanish translation of Secretary Powell's complete
presentation before the U.N. Security Council. Gutierrez
expressed appreciation for the translated transcript but was
also noncommittal as to GOG policy towards Iraq.


3. (C) Comment: Neither the Vice President nor the Foreign
Minister provided their views on GOG policy on Iraq. The GOG
has traditionally held a policy towards the Middle East that
has closely paralleled our own. They are strong supporters
of Israel for reasons unconnected to us. The GOG also
recognizes the degree of importance we attach to this issue.
Hamilton