GOE MIXED ON NAM AGENDA

C O N F I D E N T I A L QUITO 002252 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/05/2031 TAGS: PREL UNGA PTER PHUM CU EC SUBJECT: GOE MIXED ON NAM AGENDA REF: STATE 145242 Classified By: PolOff Erik Martini, Reasons 1.4 ¶1. (C) Summary: PolChief and PolOff met with MFA Director General for Multilateral Affairs Lourdes Puma on September 7 to deliver RefTel talking points. Puma has attended NAM summits in the past and will also accompany President Palacio to Havana. Puma maintained the GOE is still undecided on the UNSC candidacies of Guatemala and Venezuela, and did not anticipate the NAM pronouncing in favor of either candidate. She indicated GOE differences with USG concerns on terrorism language, no inclination of GOE representatives to speak up in favor of democratic transition in Cuba, and said the GOE would continue to support balance on issues of the Middle East. In Havana, Palacio is expected to lobby for his candidacy to lead the World Health Organization. End Summary. UNSC Race: GOE Still Undecided -------------- ¶2. (C) Puma said the GOE is well aware of U.S. views on the UNSC race, but still has not decided whether to support Venezuela or Guatemala. She emphasized Ecuador's important and historic relationship with Venezuela, its Andean region neighbor. Because many countries remain undecided, Puma thought it unlikely that the NAM would endorse either candidate in its formal declarations in Havana. Terrorism: GOE Against Terror, But Favors National Liberation -------------- -------------- ¶3. (C) When informed of our concerns about the NAM making an exclusion from the definition for struggles in the name of self-determination or self-defined "national liberation movements," Puma responded that the GOE condemns all forms of terror, unequivocally. However, the GOE also believes that every country had a right to defend itself from occupiers and invasion, using "legitimate means," and citing Vichy France as an example. She clarified that legitimate means do not include targeting innocent civilians or other acts of terror. Democracy: No Stomach for Cuba Democracy Fight -------------- - ¶4. (C) Urged to join other NAM members in support of respect for human rights in Cuba, the release of all political prisoners in Cuba, and free and fair multi-party elections, Puma was unequivocal. The GOE would not press these issues in Havana. When pressed, Puma indicated that the GOE had no intention of embarrassing their Cuban hosts. Middle East: GOE To Support Balance -------------- ¶5. (C) Responding to our views on the importance of maintaining a balanced and moderate NAM position vis-a-vis Israel, Puma said the GOE intended to follow its established line, calling for respect of all UN resolutions, lamenting Israel's disproportionate use of force in Lebanon, but also acknowledging Hizballah's responsiblity for attacks on Israeli civilians. She cited Ecuador's continued good relations with Israel as evidence of the GOE's balanced and principled stance on issues of the Middle East. ¶6. (C) In response to PolChief's request for documentation of the GOE position, MFA U/S for Multilateral Affairs later forwarded a copy of an official document entitled "Declaration of the Government of Ecuador," which was submitted to the Human Rights Council in Geneva prior to or during the Special Session on Lebanon. The document expresses concern about the security civilians in both Lebanon and Israel, particularly in Lebanon, where they were "the object of disproportionate attacks from Israeli territory." It calls on the Council to adopt "resolutions permitting an immediate ceasefire and end to violations of human rights deriving from attacks and military operations originating in both countries." The declaration states that the GOE "views with enormous concern the armed attacks perpetrated by the Hezbolla (sic) Movement and directed at the population in northern Israel, as well as the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers, both activities counter to international law and human rights..." The situation calls for "firm and diligent" action by the Council, "but also in a balanced fashion..." The document concludes with a commitment by the GOE to do everything possible to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The GOE's NAM Agenda -------------- ¶7. (C) Puma said GOE priorities for the NAM meeting are to revitalize the grouping and through it, support UN reforms. These include expanding the UNSC to include Brazil as a permanent member; and strengthening the role of the UNGA in supporting national economic development of smaller, poor nations. Ecuador's aim is to support a revitalized but more moderate NAM, not confrontation, she claimed. Press here speculated that Palacio would use his Havana visit to lobby for his candidacy to lead the World Health Organization. JEWELL