PARAGUAY SUPPORTS OAS CONVENTION ON RACISM AND

UNCLAS ASUNCION 000629 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM AORC PA USOAS SUBJECT: PARAGUAY SUPPORTS OAS CONVENTION ON RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION REF: STATE 82983 On 5/5, PolOff drew on reftel talking points to convey to MFA Human Rights Director Julio Duarte the USG's strong opposition to the proposed Inter-American Convention against Racism and Discrimination, stressing the redundancy and financial implications of the initiative. Duarte indicated that he would discuss the talking points with Multilateral Affairs Director Mario Sandoval, who was unavailable that day. On 5/9, Duarte advised PolOff that Paraguay decided on 5/5 to align itself with the Mercosur bloc in support of the proposed Convention. KEANE