GUATEMALA WILL CONSIDER OAS BUDGET INCREASE IN JUNE

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 000711 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL GT USOAS SUBJECT: GUATEMALA WILL CONSIDER OAS BUDGET INCREASE IN JUNE REF: STATE 50110 ¶1. Poloff delivered reftel demarche to Acting Director General for Multilateral Affairs, Sylvia Corado, at the Foreign Ministry on February 28. Corado said she would have to consult internally before she could speak officially. However, she speculated that, given "severe" budget constraints, the MFA would be hard-pressed to find an additional $5,000 for the OAS. On March 4, Poloffs spoke to Jose Felix Palma, Director of the OAS office in Guatemala City. Palma indicated his discussions with the MFA were proceeding positively. Corado told us on March 5 that while the MFA understood the symbolic importance of Guatemala's small increase, her internal consultations had indicated it was unlikely Guatemala would be able to increase its contribution. PolCouns raised the issue with Giovanni Castillo, Director General for Multilateral Affairs, upon Castillo's return from the NAM summit. Castillo said that due to the MFA's budget cycle, it would be June before the proposal to increase the contribution to the OAS could be considered. HAMILTON