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