DEMARCHE ON POSSIBLE UNGA AND UNCHR SESSIONS ON

C O N F I D E N T I A L GUATEMALA 000706

SIPDIS

HARARE FOR BRUCE WHARTON

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/18/2013
TAGS: PREL PARM IZ GT UNSC
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON POSSIBLE UNGA AND UNCHR SESSIONS ON
IRAQ

REF: STATE 70678

Classified By: PolCouns David Lindwall for reason 1.5 (b) and (d).


1. (C) In the absence from Guatemala of Foreign Minister
Gutierrez, the Ambassador spoke with senior Presidential
Advisor Arturo Montenegro on March 18 to express USG concern
over the possible convocation of a special UNGA or a special
session of the UNCHR to condemn possible coalition military
action against Iraq. The Ambassador asked that Guatemala
oppose any proposal to convoke an emergency session of the
General Assembly, drawing on talking points in reftel.
Montenegro responded that Guatemala has been following
developments on the Iraqi situation, and promised to relay
our request immediately to President Portillo.


2. (C) Deputy Foreign Minister Jorge Perez called the
Ambassador to say that the President had directed the Foreign
Ministry to support the USG. Advised by the Department that
there was a specific NAM meeting at 1500 hours, DCM McFarland
followed up by speaking again with Deputy Foreign Minister
Perez (who is also a close friend and advisor of President
Portillo) and repeating our concerns. Perez said Guatemala
would attend a March 18, 1500 hours NAM meeting in New York,
and would oppose the holding of an emergency UNGA on Iraq.
Perez promised to inform Foreign Minister Gutierrez (who is
traveling to Geneva to participate in the first week of the
UNCHR) as well as President Portillo.


3. (C) Comment/Action Request: Given the absence from New
York of Ambassador Rosenthal, we recommend that the
Department confirm these instructions with the Guatemalan UN
Delegation.
HAMILTON