GUATEMALA SUPPORT LIKELY ON CUBA AND CHINA IN UNCHR

C O N F I D E N T I A L GUATEMALA 000747

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/25/2014
TAGS: PREL PHUM GT UNHRC
SUBJECT: GUATEMALA SUPPORT LIKELY ON CUBA AND CHINA IN UNCHR

REF: A. SECSTATE 65652

B. SECSTATE 62815

Classified By: Acting PolChief Erik Hall for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).


1. (C) On March 25, in response to reftel demarches, MFA Vice
Minister Jorge Skinner-Klee told DCM and PolOff that the GOG
will support the Honduran resolution on Cuba, but is
undecided on whether to co-sponsor. DCM forcefully argued
for co-sponsorship and co-tabling on the merits, using reftel
talking points. Skinner-Klee expressed personal agreement,
but said GOG co-tabling has never been in the cards. He said
a final decision on co-sponsorship is likely only after
President Berger and FM Briz return from a regional summit in
Managua, where it will likely be discussed between Berger and
Honduran President Maduro.


2. (C) According to Skinner-Klee, the GOG will oppose any
no-action motions on principle. He said he will recommend to
FM Briz that the GOG vote in favor of the China resolution,
saying he personally believes the resolution is justified.
Skinner-Klee applauded USG efforts to raise Chinese human
rights violations in the UNCHR.


3. (C) Comment: The GOG receives substantial aid from the
ROC and none from China. We believe a Guatemalan vote
against any no-action motion is assured and a GOG vote in
favor of the China resolution is likely, as is a GOG vote in
favor of the Cuba resolution. We will continue to encourage
co-sponsorship of the Cuba resolution, despite possible GOG
misgivings.
HAMILTON