DEFEATING VENEZUELA IN THE 2006 ELECTION FOR THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 001341

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2016
TAGS: PREL GT VE UN UNSC
SUBJECT: DEFEATING VENEZUELA IN THE 2006 ELECTION FOR THE
NON-PERMANENT SEAT ON THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL

REF: STATE 20173

Classified By: AMBASSADOR RALPH BOYCE, REASONS 1.4 (B,D).


1. (C) Per reftel request, on March 3 Ambassador Boyce raised
with Thai FM Kantathi the Venezuelan and Guatemalan
competition for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security
Council. Ambassador stated the strong USG belief that
Guatemala should be given preference. He made reftel points
regarding the important issues that the Council would
consider and the Venezuelan record of disruption, rather than
cooperation, in dealing with international issues. The USG
thought that Venezuela would grandstand and disrupt if given
a chance. The Ambassador noted that Guatemala had never
served on the Council and was a good alternative.


2. (C) Kantathi responded that he understood the USG
position. While not making a commitment, he noted favorably
the argument that Guatemala had never occupied a Council
seat.


3. (SBU) We will follow closely Thai thinking on this
important issue.
BOYCE