DEMARCHE DELIVERED: BUILDING SUPPORT FOR GUATEMALA IN

C O N F I D E N T I A L MASERU 000310 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR AF/RSA (HOUSTON),IO/UNP (HARRIS) AND AF/S (MUNCY) E.O. 12958: DECL: 6/30/2016 TAGS: PREL UNSC UNGA GT VE LT SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: BUILDING SUPPORT FOR GUATEMALA IN AFRICA REF: (A) STATE 107357 (B) MASERU 140 CLASSIFIED BY: June Carter Perry, Ambassador, EXEC , STATE. REASON: 1.4 (b),(d) ¶1. (C) Ambassador delivered points in Ref A to Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ntsinyi June 30 following her return from out of town. The Minister was not familiar with the issue, therefore, Ambassador reiterated information contained in Ref B noting that Foreign Minister Moleleki had stated that since Guatemala had not had the opportunity for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, it would seem fair for that nation to have a chance this time. ¶2. (C) The Acting Foreign Minister responded that she would try to contact the Minister of Foreign Affairs during the AU meeting and reiterate the points, but she would need to consult with him and could not, therefore, confirm Lesotho's final support for Guatemala. ¶3. (C) Comment: We doubt that the Acting Minister will be able to offer a final response herself this evening. But, we do consider she will make a significant effort to consult with Minister Moleleki, who is quite familiar with our position and who ought to be able to offer a firm response July 1 or 2 in Banjul. End Comment. PERRY