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