SOLID PHILIPPINE SUPPORT FOR GUATEMALAN UNSC

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 004345 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/13/2016 TAGS: PREL UNGA GT RP SUBJECT: SOLID PHILIPPINE SUPPORT FOR GUATEMALAN UNSC CANDIDACY REF: MANILA 3784 Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Foreign Secretary Romulo reconfirmed to Ambassador and DCM the Philippines' commitment to vote for Guatemala's UNSC candidacy in the first and succeeding votes in the UN General Assembly during a meeting on October 10. Romulo said he had discussed Guatemala's campaign with its Foreign Minister and was concerned that the vote may go multiple rounds. Romulo said he assured the Foreign Minister of continued Philippine support. ¶2. (C) During a follow-up phone call from Ambassador on October 13, Romulo reiterated that "we are with Guatemala for as many ballots as it takes." They also discussed the destructive effect that a Venezuelan seat on the UNSC would have. Romulo expressed exceptional distaste for Venezuelan President Chavez' appalling performance at the UNGA, noting that it should have convinced everyone that Venezuela would not be a good choice for the UNSC. ¶3. (C) Pol/C separately discussed the vote on October 13 with Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs for United Nations and International Organizations Aladin Villacorte, who confirmed that Secretary Romulo's instructions to support Guatemala in the UN General Assembly were loud and clear. He offered assurances that the Philippine delegation would vote accordingly, no matter how many votes it took, as long as Guatemala remained a candidate. Visit Embassy Manila's Classified website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm KENNEY