SRI LANKA: "INFORMAL" SUPPORT FOR BELARUS

C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 000706 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/12/2015 TAGS: PHUM PREL CE UN SUBJECT: SRI LANKA: "INFORMAL" SUPPORT FOR BELARUS RESOLUTION REF: A. STATE 66404 ¶B. STATE 56093 Classified By: James F. Entwistle, Deputy Chief of Mission. Reason 1.4 (b,d). ¶1. (C) On April 12, poloff delivered Ref B points to V. Krishnamoorthy, Director of UN, Human Rights, and Multilateral Affairs at the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Krishnamoorthy replied that the Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) had no position on the Belarus resolution, as of yet. He thought the "decision would be taken on the ground," referring to the GSL's mission in Geneva. He also believed that the MFA has asked its Geneva mission for a recommendation on the matter, but had not yet had a reply. He also said that the Russian Federation had approached the MFA, possibly on the Belarus matter, but was not part of that discussion. ¶2. (C) Krishnamoorthy said Sri Lanka was very grateful for the many countries' support and assistance, including the U.S., following the tsunami and would consider that when evaluating its position. Notwithstanding, he reiterated the GSL's intention to abstain on the Cuba resolution and support the (EU's) DPRK resolution. ¶3. (C) Ambassador also raised Ref B points with the Foreign Minister April 11, encouraging the GSL's support for the Belarus resolution. In an April 12 conversation with Ambassador, the Foreign Secretary said the GSL "should be able to vote in favor." ¶4. (C) In a April 12 follow-up call, poloff reminded Krishnamoorthy that Sri Lanka had supported the Belarus resolution during the 2004 session of the UN CHR. Krishnamoorthy replied that he had spoken with his Director General and that the GSL would likely support the Belarus resolution this year, as well as oppose any no-action motion, but stressed that he was speaking only "informally." No need to say anything official yet, he added. ¶5. (C) Mission suggests that Geneva approach the Sri Lankan delegation there to see if there is official support from the GSL. LUNSTEAD