BAHAMAS REACTS FAVORABLY TO DRAFT RESOLUTION

UNCLAS NASSAU 001238 SIPDIS SIPDIS IO/RHS FOR LINDA LUM E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BF AORC UN PHUM KWMN SUBJECT: BAHAMAS REACTS FAVORABLY TO DRAFT RESOLUTION CONDEMNING RAPE AS STATE POLICY REF: SECSTATE 135255 ¶1. (U) On October 3, 2007, PolOff conveyed reftel talking points to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Under Secretary Marilyn Zonicle. Post provided the text of the draft resolution in advance by fax. Ms. Zonicle said she had already consulted with the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Sheila Carey, and other government agencies, such as the Attorney General's office and the Ministry of Health and Social Development, on the draft. Speaking informally, Ms. Zonicle offered a preliminary, extremely positive assessment of the draft resolution, which she said was shared by her interlocutors, even calling it a "no brainer". ¶2. (U) Ms. Zonicle queried whether sources of information ought to be noted and asked, rhetorically as it turned out, whether given the evidence specific countries ought to be identified. PolOff replied as per reftel points that the U.S. would work in good faith to improve the resolution's language. Ms. Zonicle stated that, in her opinion, The Bahamas could consider co-sponsoring the resolution, but emphasized that it was too early to indicate the government's position and that the Ministry would reply formally to the demarche. ¶2. (U) COMMENT: Ms. Zonicle took a keen interest in the issue and approached the draft resolution seriously. She reviewed the text and consulted with other government officials even though she had received the draft only the day before due to a recent absence. END COMMENT. ELMO