Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04YEREVAN660
2004-03-18 14:07:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Yerevan
Cable title:  

ARMENIAN RESPONSE TO USG PRIORITIES FOR UNCHR-60

Tags:  PREL AORC PHUM AM UN 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L YEREVAN 000660 

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/CACEN, IO/UN, EUR/PGI, WHA/CCA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/17/2014
TAGS: PREL AORC PHUM AM UN
SUBJECT: ARMENIAN RESPONSE TO USG PRIORITIES FOR UNCHR-60

REF: A) STATE 55077 B) NEW YORK 00516

Classified By: Ambassador John Ordway for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L YEREVAN 000660

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/CACEN, IO/UN, EUR/PGI, WHA/CCA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/17/2014
TAGS: PREL AORC PHUM AM UN
SUBJECT: ARMENIAN RESPONSE TO USG PRIORITIES FOR UNCHR-60

REF: A) STATE 55077 B) NEW YORK 00516

Classified By: Ambassador John Ordway for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Ambassador raised USG priorities for UNCHR-60 with FM
Oskanian March 15 per instructions in reftel A. Oskanian was
generally non-committal, but promised to review the USG
proposals on China and Cuba with Armenia's missions in
Geneva, New York and Washington. Oskanian hinted that
Armenia's candidature for the 2005-2007 UNCHR could mean that
any GOAM support for USG initiatives could be more measured
than Washington might hope or expect. While he would not
commit GOAM support, his comments suggested that the GOAM was
more likely to support a Cuba resolution than the China
resolution.


2. (C) Comment: Oskanian's comments contrasted with earlier
signals from mid-level MFA officials. Earlier hints for
greater support during this year's UNCHR, specifically for
the Cuba resolution, appear to have lost steam. While MFA
contacts are not hiding their disappointment with the USG's
quiet response thus far to Armenia's UNCHR candidature, we
can safely assume that this is only partially responsible for
this change in posture. There appears to be real concern
among GOAM officials at some level about Armenia's
candidature for the UNCHR. Armenia's highest priority is to
avoid a loss of face in the re-election campaign and they are
undoubtedly keeping a close eye on where the votes are. Our
contacts continue to stress the importance of Yerevan's role
in UN-related issues. GOAM representatives in Geneva and New
York are reportedly now taking a back seat to the MFA's newly
appointed Director of Multilateral Affairs on important
policy decisions. We will listen closely for signals from
the MFA regarding the Cuba resolution after the Department's
March 15 meeting with Ambassadors in Washington. End comment.
WALKER