CZECH REPUBLIC: WILLING TO SEND ONE ELECTORAL

UNCLAS PRAGUE 001309 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID EZ HA PREL SUBJECT: CZECH REPUBLIC: WILLING TO SEND ONE ELECTORAL OBSERVER TO HAITI AS PART OF EU MISSION REF: STATE 157629 POLOFF delivered Ref A demarche to Svatopluk Cumba, desk officer for the Caribbean Area in the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing the importance that all electoral observers coordinate their efforts. Cumba replied that the GOCR plans on sending one observer, as part of the European Union Electoral Observation Mission. At this time, the MFA had not chosen its candidate, however Cumba suggested that the Czech Observer most likely would be from the MFA Human Rights Department. He agreed with the importance of having electoral observer missions coordinate with Elections Canada. In a related matter, Cumba mentioned that the Czech Republic was still attempting to establish diplomatic relations with Haiti through the Haitian Mission to the United Nations. He admitted that the process was going slower than they had anticipated, but hoped to have an honorary consulate operating in Haiti in the near future. At this time, the Czech Republic has no plans on opening an embassy in Haiti and will continue to handle Haitian affairs through its embassy in Caracas. CABANISS