GUATEMALA NONCOMMITTAL ON IRAQ IN WAKE OF

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