Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ASUNCION1018
2006-10-05 21:06:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Asuncion
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHAC #1018 2782106 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 052106Z OCT 06 FM AMEMBASSY ASUNCION TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4877 INFO RUCNMER/MERCOSUR COLLECTIVE RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0099 RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NSC WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASUNCION 001018
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/03/2026
TAGS: UNSC PREL GT VE PA
SUBJECT: PARAGUAY ON UNSC RACE
REF: STATE 162359
Classified By: PolCouns James P. Merz; Reasons 1.4(b),(d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASUNCION 001018
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/03/2026
TAGS: UNSC PREL GT VE PA
SUBJECT: PARAGUAY ON UNSC RACE
REF: STATE 162359
Classified By: PolCouns James P. Merz; Reasons 1.4(b),(d).
1. (C) Ambassador met with FM Ramirez October 3 to urge
that Paraguay reconsider its commitment to support
Venezuela's UNSC candidacy. Chavez had insulted President
Bush and demonstrated no respect for the important role
assumed by the Security Council in addressing pressing
challenges in recent UNGA speech. Venezuela would undermine
the effectiveness of the United Nations. Meanwhile,
Guatemala was a responsible, serious State committed to
constructive participation in Council proceedings.
2. (C) Ramirez told the Ambassador that Paraguay intended
to honor its commitment to support Venezuela with its vote in
the first, and possibly, the second round. However, he
signaled Paraguay's commitment did not extend to subsequent
rounds. Ramirez queried the Ambassador for our views
regarding Paraguay's offering itself as a compromise
candidate. The Ambassador told Ramirez that U.S. support for
Guatemala was firm and conveyed our concern that the
emergence of a third country candidate would only draw votes
away from Guatemala and improve Venezuela's chances.
3. (C) COMMENT: Ramirez was named Paraguay's Foreign
Minister less than two months ago. He is young, bright, and
ambitious. Paraguay's former Foreign Minister, Leila Rachid,
has been nominated to be Paraguay's next Ambassador to the
United Nations. Her candidacy faces resistance from the
opposition which controls the Senate and must approve her
nomination. It would not be surprising if she or even
President Duarte would welcome the prestige that attends
participation on the UNSC. However, while clearly the
thought of Paraguay's offering itself as third candidate has
crossed the mind of at least FM Ramirez, we have no reason to
believe at this juncture it represents anything more than a
fleeting consideration. END COMMENT.
CASON
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/03/2026
TAGS: UNSC PREL GT VE PA
SUBJECT: PARAGUAY ON UNSC RACE
REF: STATE 162359
Classified By: PolCouns James P. Merz; Reasons 1.4(b),(d).
1. (C) Ambassador met with FM Ramirez October 3 to urge
that Paraguay reconsider its commitment to support
Venezuela's UNSC candidacy. Chavez had insulted President
Bush and demonstrated no respect for the important role
assumed by the Security Council in addressing pressing
challenges in recent UNGA speech. Venezuela would undermine
the effectiveness of the United Nations. Meanwhile,
Guatemala was a responsible, serious State committed to
constructive participation in Council proceedings.
2. (C) Ramirez told the Ambassador that Paraguay intended
to honor its commitment to support Venezuela with its vote in
the first, and possibly, the second round. However, he
signaled Paraguay's commitment did not extend to subsequent
rounds. Ramirez queried the Ambassador for our views
regarding Paraguay's offering itself as a compromise
candidate. The Ambassador told Ramirez that U.S. support for
Guatemala was firm and conveyed our concern that the
emergence of a third country candidate would only draw votes
away from Guatemala and improve Venezuela's chances.
3. (C) COMMENT: Ramirez was named Paraguay's Foreign
Minister less than two months ago. He is young, bright, and
ambitious. Paraguay's former Foreign Minister, Leila Rachid,
has been nominated to be Paraguay's next Ambassador to the
United Nations. Her candidacy faces resistance from the
opposition which controls the Senate and must approve her
nomination. It would not be surprising if she or even
President Duarte would welcome the prestige that attends
participation on the UNSC. However, while clearly the
thought of Paraguay's offering itself as third candidate has
crossed the mind of at least FM Ramirez, we have no reason to
believe at this juncture it represents anything more than a
fleeting consideration. END COMMENT.
CASON