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