CUBAN CANDIDACY FOR THE ILO GOVERNING BODY -

UNCLAS VIENNA 001779 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR AND IO/T (DRISCOLL) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ELAB PHUM PREL BB CU AU ILO SUBJECT: CUBAN CANDIDACY FOR THE ILO GOVERNING BODY - UPDATED AUSTRIAN RESPONSE REF: A. VIENNA 01732 ¶B. STATE 94818 (SBU) On May 31, Post followed up ref A discussion with Manfred Poiger of the Austrian Foreign Ministry's department responsible for ILO issues. Poiger said the GoA had informed its ILO delegation of the USG position. He said Austria plans to consult with the EU and will probably support the Governing Body candidacy of Barbados. Poiger mentioned that Cuba had hurt its candidacy by recently blocking an attempt by EU representatives to participate in a Cuban opposition party meeting and by continuing to ignore the fundamental rights of workers. Nevertheless, Poiger noted that the situation would become more complicated if the Caribbean sub-region agreed on Cuba as its candidate. Poiger pointed out that it is unusual for ILO members to vote against a candidate the sub-region selects. Brown