MDA: COLOMBIA REITERATES SUPPORT

C O N F I D E N T I A L BOGOTA 008588 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/12/2015 TAGS: PREF PHUM PREL IS SZ CO SUBJECT: MDA: COLOMBIA REITERATES SUPPORT REF: A. SECSTATE 163072 ¶B. BOGOTA 8123 Classified By: Political Counselor Jeffrey DeLaurentis for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Poloff delivered Ref A demarche on September 7 to MFA Director of Multilateral Affairs Ignacio Ruiz. Poloff urged a strong statement at the Geneva consultations, noted the humanitarian goal of the Third Additional Protocol, and stressed that the time was right given the successful Gaza withdrawal. Ruiz said on September 12 the GOC would support the Third Additional Protocol (Ref B) and their mission had been instructed to consult with the U.S. Mission. When pressed regarding the importance of a strong statement, he reiterated GOC assurances of support. ¶2. (C) Embassy recommends that U.S. Mission Geneva (RMA) follow up with the Colombian Mission to the UN in Geneva. DRUCKER