SUPPORT FOR MDA AT 6/20 CONFERENCE - DOMINICAN

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 002045 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR WHA/CAR, IO GENEVA FOR RMA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREF PREL ICRC PHUM IS SUBJECT: SUPPORT FOR MDA AT 6/20 CONFERENCE - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REF: A. STATE 095184 ¶B. STATE 099422 ¶1. Embassy on June 14 delivered text of points Ref A (minus the if-asked points) through the American Red Cross Caribbean representative here to the director general of the Dominican Red Cross, Arq. Gustavo Lara Tapia. Lara said he was forwarding the points to Dominican Red Cross president Ligia Leroux and other members of the delegation, currently traveling in Spain prior to arrival in Geneva. He said she and others in the delegation would meet with the Dominican Government delegate in Geneva to coordinate the country's position. 2, Also on June 14, Embassy delivered Ref A points by fax to Dominican vice foreign minister Alejandra Liriano and MFA UN director Michelle Cohen, with a request that the MFA instruct its delegate in Geneva. Embassy sent a similar request with points Ref B on June 19. ¶3. On June 19, an official of the Dominican Red Cross forwarded a message from the Dominican delegation, which had arrived in Geneva June 18. The Dominicans had already coordinated with other delegates; the Dominicans and other Latin Americans were prepared to support amending the statutes of the Movement. Political officer raised our concern of opposition by a few nations. The Dominicans were aware of this opposition -- for example, from Iran -- but firm in their resolve to move ahead with the conference. ¶4. Vice Foreign Minister Alejandra Liriano told political officer June 19 that she would consult with MFA Legal Adviser Miguel Pichardo -- the official Dominican delegate in Geneva -- and issue him instructions. Political officer explained our concerns. She declined to confirm the Dominican position pending the consultations. Embassy will report any further substantive response. HERTELL