PANAMA OAS DEMARCHE: GOP LIKELY TO SUPPORT U.S.

UNCLAS PANAMA 001024 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CEN USOAS FOR HUGH NEIGHBOUR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM AORC PGOV PREL PM USOAS POLITICS FOREIGN POLICY SUBJECT: PANAMA OAS DEMARCHE: GOP LIKELY TO SUPPORT U.S. POSITION ON OAS WORKING GROUP ON RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION REF: STATE 82983 (SBU) PolOff delivered Reftel talking points to MFA Human Rights Director Janio Tunion and Deputy International Organizations and Commissions Director Nubia Lezcano on May 5, stressing how the working group would undercut existing treaties. Speaking unofficially with PolOff on May 6, Tunion said that the GOP is aware that funding redundant and "excessive" studies and working groups that develop no positive or concrete results would waste scarce OAS resources. He said he would pass the talking points to his superiors. Embassy will report any further developments to Department. WATT