MDA: ICELAND WILL BE SUPPORTIVE AT JUNE 20 INTERNATIONAL

UNCLAS REYKJAVIK 000224 SIPDIS SENSITIVE, SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREF PREL PHUM ICRC IC IS SUBJECT: MDA: ICELAND WILL BE SUPPORTIVE AT JUNE 20 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE REFS: (A) STATE 95184, (B) STATE 99423 ¶1. (SBU) Post discussed points from refs A and B with Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs Human Rights Officer Ingibjorg Davidsdottir June 14 and 19, respectively. Following consultation with the MFA PermSec and the Icelandic Mission in Geneva, Davidsdottir replied as follows: -- Iceland will vote against any motion to adjourn the June 20-21 29th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. -- The Icelandic delegation in Geneva is prepared to vote in favor of the proposed amendments to the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement should we be unable to approve the amendments by consensus. -- The Icelandic MFA has explained the importance of the red crystal issue to its National Society counterparts - who agreed wholeheartedly. -- A representative of the Icelandic delegation will be present as much as possible during the Conference. -- The Icelandic Mission in Geneva is in close contact and cooperation especially with the other Nordic countries' and European Union's missions in Geneva on this issue. -- Should the Organization of the Islamic Conference try to steer debate in a political direction, Iceland will deliver a statement along the lines the U.S. requests if/if its European neighbors are doing the same. ¶2. (SBU) Comment: Iceland is safely in our corner but will not strike any direct blows absent Nordic/European cover. Such caution is characteristic of Icelandic conduct in international organizations and especially unsurprising with new Foreign Minister Valgerdur Sverrisdottir only in office since June 15. End comment. VAN VOORST