GUATEMALA ON IRAQ TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 001179 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV IZ GT SUBJECT: GUATEMALA ON IRAQ TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT REF: STATE 79107 ¶1. (SBU) Following up on reftel demarche, the Ambassador spoke with Guatemalan Acting FM Marta Altolguirre to urge the GOG to welcome the formation of the Iraq Transitional Government and convey support for Iraq's reconstruction and political transition. ¶2. (SBU) Altolaguirre said she was impressed by Iraq's successful elections, peaceful transition and the inclusion of Sunnis in the government. She said that, in the absence of diplomatic relations with Iraq, the MFA considered it would be awkward to issue unilaterally a statement of support for the ITG. Guatemala would therefore look for an appropriate (i.e., multilateral) venue to convey its support. She said she would take up with FM Briz the issue of establishing relations with Iraq. HAMILTON