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