CHR 61: FRENCH ON GUANTANAMO RESOLUTION

UNCLAS PARIS 002659

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM FR UNHRC EUN
SUBJECT: CHR 61: FRENCH ON GUANTANAMO RESOLUTION

REF: STATE 69823


1. (U) This cable contains an action request. See para 4.


2. (SBU) Poloff delivered reftel points to Donatienne
Hissard in the Human Rights office of the MFA's United
Nations and International Organizations bureau on April 19.
Hissard noted that France agreed completely with our view
that the Cuban resolution was a retaliatory measure. While
there were no technical problems with the resolution, she
continued, the source and reasons for its introduction
completely undermined its legitimacy. Hissard stated
France's desire to see the EU vote against the resolution as
a bloc, but said that discussions were ongoing and no
consensus had yet been reached. Hissard specifically
mentioned that Germany "didn't know where it was going" on
the resolution.


3. (SBU) Hissard sought additional information about
negotiations between the USG and the UN Special Rapporteurs
regarding their request to visit Guantanamo, remarking that a
positive response to the request would be detrimental to the
success of the Cuban resolution. Hissard also asked if we
were considering any procedural means to defeat the vote,
underlining that, in the eyes of some within the EU, a
postponement vote was akin to a no-action vote.


4. (SBU) Action Request: Post seeks information on USG views
on the UN Special Rapporteurs' request that could be shared
with the French to assist their lobbying efforts within the
EU.
WOLFF