DOMINICAN FONMIN REQUEST FOR DEPARTMENT MEETING

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANTO DOMINGO 001771 SIPDIS STATE FOR S/S, WHA, WHA/CAR, WHA/CCA, WHA/EPSC, DRL, EB, EB/TPP/BTA/EWH, NEA, PM; DEPT PASS USTR FOR RVARGO, AMALITO E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/31/2015 TAGS: PHUM PREL ETRD MARR CU DR SUBJECT: DOMINICAN FONMIN REQUEST FOR DEPARTMENT MEETING APRIL 6-7; DOMINICAN STANCE ON CUBA AT UNCHR Classified By: Ambassador Hans Hertell. Reason: 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (SBU) This message includes an ACTION REQUEST for a meeting with the Secretary and with WHA Assistant Secretary Noriega on April 6-7. ¶2. (C) On March 30 when the Ambassador raised with Dominican President Fernandez the Cuba resolution at the UN Human Rights Commission, Fernandez said that the Dominican Republic would abstain. Fernandez said he could not instruct his delegation to vote to criticize Cuba's human rights without creating problems for himself within his own political party. The Ambassador pressed him with a variety of arguments and asked Fernandez to keep an open mind and re-consider the matter later. Fernandez agreed. ¶3. (C) The Ambassador followed up March 31 with Foreign Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso. Morales, who favors a vote to criticize Cuba's human rights, said that he would work on the issue. ¶4. (C) ACTION REQUEST: Foreign Minister Morales Troncoso plans to visit Washington Wednesday, April 6 and Thursday, April 7 for OAS business. He has asked us to request a meeting with WHA Assistant Secretary Noriega and, if possible, with the Secretary, regarding the Cuba human rights vote and Dominican ratification of CAFTA. We recommend that the Department grant this meeting (or these meetings),and add a third topic: the possibility of the Dominican Republic rejoining the Coalition of the Willing. Our understanding is that the Chief of the Armed Forces is supportive of sending some military personnel for staff positions, and that there are numerous would-be volunteers, but that the decision lies with President Fernandez. ¶5. (C) Comment: Chances remain slim that the Dominican Republic will vote to criticize Cuba's human rights, but on this issue we have a strong ally in the Foreign Minister. End comment. HERTELL