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