UNGA -- PRESSING FOR A NO VOTE ON CUBAN EMBARGO

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 002989 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, WHA, IO/UNP FOR MARIZ NSC FOR EPHU E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/25/2017 TAGS: PGOV UNGA ETRD UN CU ID SUBJECT: UNGA -- PRESSING FOR A NO VOTE ON CUBAN EMBARGO RESOLUTION REF: A. STATE 148553 ¶B. STATE 148506 Classified By: Pol/C Joseph Legend Novak, reasons 1.4(b)(d). ¶1. (C) Pol/C reviewed Ref B points with Trini Gunarti Sualang, Deputy Director of the North America Desk at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DEPLU),October 25. Pol/C stressed that Indonesia should vote against Cuba,s annual UNGA embargo-related resolution or--at the very least--abstain. Pol/C noted that the focus of the UN should be on Cuba,s policies, and how that regime vigorously denies its own people basic human, labor, political and economic rights. In its Explanation of Vote, we urged the GOI to make a robust statement expressing its serious concerns about the human rights situation in Cuba and the need for a democratic transition. ¶2. (SBU) Sualang listened carefully and said DEPLU would review the USG points. Pol/C also noted President Bush,s remarks on Cuba, reviewing points from Ref A. HUME