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