BAHAMAS RECEPTIVE TO GUATEMALA'S UNSC BID

C O N F I D E N T I A L NASSAU 000365 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CAR WBENT E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2010 TAGS: UNSC PREL VE BF SUBJECT: BAHAMAS RECEPTIVE TO GUATEMALA'S UNSC BID REF: STATE 27055 Classified By: CDA Brent Hardt, Reasons 1.4 b and d ¶1. (C) Ambassador delivered reftel talking points supporting Guatemala's candidacy for the UN Security Council and opposing that of Venezuela, to Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell on February 24. Mitchell indicated that The Bahamas has not yet focused on the issue. He was receptive to U.S. concerns about Venezuela's potential to disrupt the UNSC. He also acknowledged that The Bahamas, as a small country, would like to see a small country such as Guatemala, which has never served on the Council, get a chance to do so. Mitchell asked about the timing for decision-making and welcomed follow-up discussions as the date draws closer. Ambassador responded that while the decision would be made in October, candidates were already actively campaigning for support. ¶2. (C) DCM reiterated our message with Dr. Patricia Rodgers, MFA Permanent Secretary (the number-two position at the Ministry). Dr. Rodgers also seemed receptive to a Guatemala candidacy. HARDT