ECUADOR LIKELY TO SUPPORT SWISS CIRCULAR ON MDA

UNCLAS QUITO 001381 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AORC PHUM PREF PREL IS SZ EC ICRC SUBJECT: ECUADOR LIKELY TO SUPPORT SWISS CIRCULAR ON MDA REF: SECSTATE 104272 ¶1. On June 8, PolOff delivered talking points and a copy of the Swiss circular to MFA Human Rights Director Carmen Larrea. The document recommends a conference to discuss a Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions granting the Magen David Adom (MDA) full membership in the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement. Larrea told PolOff on June 13 that she expected the GOE would support the conference and protocol as they support the GOE's policy of advocating humanitarian goals. PolOff encouraged Larrea to support the conference as the issue has been ready for closure since 2000 and it would increase humanitarian workers' safety. Larrea will notify PolOff once a final decision is made. Kenney