UNSC ELECTIONS (GRULAC)

UNCLAS MASERU 000140 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE FOR IO/UNP B. HARRIS AND WHA/PPC R. YONEOKA AND AF/S E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UN UNSC GT VE LT SUBJECT: UNSC ELECTIONS (GRULAC) REF: STATE 20173 ¶1. (SBU) Per reftel, Ambassador raised points on Venezuela and Guatemala as contenders for the GRULAC seat for the UN Security Council (2007-2008) during March 16 discussions with the GOL Foreign Minister. ¶2. (SBU) Venezuela's troubling disruption of international events, including the disruption of the Community of Democracy meeting in Chile and the Summit of the Americas in Venezuela, as well as its rejection of the Outcome Document, were signs that similar behavior could compromise UNSC proceedings and objectives. Guatemala, on the other hand, has been a supportive and responsible member of the international community, contributing to six global peacekeeping operations, including the Congo. While Venezuela has served on the UNSC four times, Guatemala has never done so. ¶3. (SBU) FOMIN Moleleki acknowledged the importance of the GRULAC non-permanent seat and of the upcoming secret ballot in October. He was not fully familiar with the international roles of either GRULAC nation. However, he stated the importance of the principle that nations who had not had the opportunity to serve be offered that chance. He did not make a firm commitment to support Guatemala, but said Lesotho would seriously consider its position. PERRY