DEMARCHE ON CUBA EMBARGO RESOLUTION DELIVERED

UNCLAS HANOI 001839 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR IO/UNP - John Mariz E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNGA ETRD PHUM UN CU VM SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON CUBA EMBARGO RESOLUTION DELIVERED REF: STATE 148506 (SBU) On October 26, Poloff met with MFA International Organizations Department Desk Officer Phan Ho The Nam to deliver reftel points urging the GVN to vote against the UNGA resolution condemning the U.S. economic embargo against Cuba. Nam responded by stating the GVN's universal position that trade embargos and similar sanctions are not appropriate in light of the harm they cause to general populations. The well-being of any people is "the top priority." He added that the GVN also cares about the U.S. concerns and will give the U.S. position its utmost consideration. He noted, however, that in past years, the resolution has passed with an overwhelming majority and that it would be difficult to act against this majority view. He suggested that the United States attempt to find another way to engage with the Cuban government for the sake of the Cuban people. MICHALAK