BELGIANS SHOW RESERVED SUPPORT OF GUATEMALA ON UNSC

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRUSSELS 002521 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2016 TAGS: PREL BE SUBJECT: BELGIANS SHOW RESERVED SUPPORT OF GUATEMALA ON UNSC REF: STATE 111590 ¶1. Poloff presented reftel demarche and discussed furthering support for Guatemala's bid to the UNSC with Belgian UN Directorate Rudi Brieven. Breiven, who served at the Belgian Mission to the U.N. his last post, expressed Belgium's desire to see Guatemala win the bid. He felt the campaign would most effectively be carried out in New York, suggesting a focus on African ambassadors. Belgians are hesitant to overtly push for Guatamala, being cautious because of their own bid for the UNSC. Brievens acknowledged a Venezuelan victory could be problematic, especially if they decide to work as a spoiler on resolutions, partnering up with others such as South Africa. KOROLOGOS