PARAGUAY ON MEXICO HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVE

C O N F I D E N T I A L ASUNCION 000215 SIPDIS STATE WHA/BSC STATE PASS TO USAID LAC/AA NSC FOR KIMBERLY BREIER SOUTHCOM FOR POLAD DAN JOHNSON E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/10/2015 TAGS: PGOV MX PA CHR SUBJECT: PARAGUAY ON MEXICO HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVE REF: SECSTATE 22969 Classified By: CDA Kevin M. Johnson for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) February 10 Charge raised ref points with VFM Martinez (FM Rachid had not yet returned to the office from travel) stressing the importance of the issue. Progress on human rights, as Paraguay knows well from its own recent history, depends on holding all governments accountable in international fora, noted Charge. A GRULAC position against country-specific HR resolutions would destroy this important mechanism. Such a move would also go against US policy on Cuba. Martinez said he understood the U.S. position and would check with MFA officials who followed the issue closely and then brief the FM on strong US concerns. ¶2. (U) PolOff is following up with MFA Human Rights Director Julio Duarte and MFA Multilateral Director Julio Arriola. JOHNSON