PANAMA UNDECIDED ON 8 OF 9 CERD SPOTS

UNCLAS PANAMA 000030

SIPDIS


DEPARTMENT FOR IO/SHA/PRATT/MEHRA


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL PM POLITICS FOREIGN POLICY
SUBJECT: PANAMA UNDECIDED ON 8 OF 9 CERD SPOTS


REF: A. 03 STATE 309045

B. 03 STATE 335441

C. 03 STATE 343762

D. STATE 773



1. (U) On January 6, MFA International Organizations Deputy
Director General Nubia Lezcano advised Poloff that the GOP
has committed to one CERD candidate due to "previous
agreements," but has not decided who to support for the other
eight positions. Lezcano further explained that it was
unlikely the GOP would be able to advise Embassy of a firm
position before the January 14 election. MFA has not yet
decided whether to send representatives or ask that Panama's
UN Permrep Ramon Morales attend the January 14 CERD election
in New York. Per Reftels B and C, Poloff had previously
spoken on December 19 with Lezcano, who advised that the GOP
had not yet taken a position on this candidacy.



2. (U) On November 7, Poloff delivered a diplomatic note
requesting Government of Panama (GOP) support for Ralph
Boyd's CERD candidacy with Reftel A talking points to MFA
Director General for International Organizations Rodolfo
Aleman.
WATT