HUMAN RIGHTS NGO ON EQUATORIAL GUINEA

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 002439 SIPDIS EUR/WE AF/C FOR ALLISON LEE E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/24/2015 TAGS: PREL PHUM SP SUBJECT: HUMAN RIGHTS NGO ON EQUATORIAL GUINEA Classified By: Political Counselor Kathy Fitzpatrick; reason 1.4 (D). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. See para 3. ¶2. (C) Clara Lopez de Letona of the "Federation of Associations for the Defense and Promotion of Human Rights," a coordinating body for Spanish human rights NGO, contacted post on June 23 to request a meeting with the Political Section to discuss human rights issues related to Equatorial Guinea. We have met with Lopez de Letona in past years, also to discuss Equatorial Guinea. She and her organization appear credible and focused on human rights (vice political) issues. Lopez de Letona's last communication with us was an inquiry in early 2005 as to whether the U.S. would present a UNCHR resolution on Equatorial Guinea at the CHR in Geneva. ¶3. (C) We are aware of the sensitivity of Equatorial Guinea issue and therefore request Department guidance before agreeing to meet with Lopez de Letona. If a meeting is deemed appropriate, please provide current guidance regarding USG views on the human rights situation in Equatorial Guinea and on her inquiry regarding USG support for a UNCHR resolution on Equatorial Guinea. MANZANARES