GUATEMALA TO VOTE AGAINST GITMO RESOLUTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L GUATEMALA 000962

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/19/2014
TAGS: PREL PHUM GT
SUBJECT: GUATEMALA TO VOTE AGAINST GITMO RESOLUTION

REF: A. SECSTATE 87283

B. SECSTATE 85231

Classified By: PolOff Robert Copley for reason 1.5 (b) and (d).


1. (C) The Ambassador discussed ref B points with Foreign
Minister Briz on April 16 and secured a commitment from Briz
to vote against Cuba's resolution. President Berger was
subsequently quoted in several newspapers stating that
Guatemala would "support human rights no matter who it
affects." Director General for Multilateral Affairs, Carla
Rodriguez told us on April 19 that the media had
misinterpreted Berger's remarks as supporting Cuba's
resolution.


2. (C) On April 19 the Ambassador followed up with a note
thanking Briz for his government's commitment to vote against
the resolution. On April 20, the Ambassador spoke again with
Briz who confirmed Guatemala's position against the
resolution.
HAMILTON