C O N F I D E N T I A L ASUNCION 000455

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/04/2015
TAGS: PHUM PREL PA CU CHR
SUBJECT: CUBA RESOLUTION AT UNCHR: PARAGUAY

REF: A. ASUNCION 380


B. STATE 44494

Classified By: Ambasador John F. Keane for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).

On April 4, Foreign Minister Rachid replied to my query about
the GOP position on the U.S. proposed draft Cuba resolution.
Rachid told me that she had discussed the issue with
President Duarte, who related that Lula had called him asking
him to join other Mercosur countries again in abstaining this
year. Duarte agreed to do that, although the Mercosur
members were considering issuing an explanation of vote which
would urge Cuba to "re-channel its human rights policy."
KEANE