HAITI LIKELY TO SUPPORT CUBA EMBARGO RESOLUTION

UNCLAS PORT AU PRINCE 001743 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE PASS TO IO/UNP JOHN MARIZ E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNGA ETRD PHUM UNAUS CU HA SUBJECT: HAITI LIKELY TO SUPPORT CUBA EMBARGO RESOLUTION REF: SECSTATE 148506 ¶1. (U) Reftel points were discussed October 26 with Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director of International Organizations Azad Belfort. Belfort told Poloff that Haiti enjoys good relations with Cuba. He noted that Cuba has provided assistance to Haiti in a number of areas, including health. ¶2. (SBU) In response to the request that Haiti vote against the Cuba Embargo Resolution or at minimum abstain, Belfort countered that Haiti typically votes consistent with decisions made by the Latin American and Caribbean Group of Countries (GRULAC),of which Cuba is a member. He expected that Haiti would vote with the UNGA majority on the Resolution. ¶3. (U) Belfort indicated he would share the points discussed with Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Renald Clerisme and would highlight the export figures presented. Belfort said he was surprised the U.S. exports ranked so highly compared to other Cuba trading partners. (Note: It may be important to present greater detail on the amount and constitution of U.S. exports to Cuba in discussions regarding the Embargo and in future demarches. End Note.) ¶4. (SBU) While Belfort agreed to communicate the U.S. position on the Embargo Resolution to Minister Clerisme, he characterized the USG request as ''delicate'' given the cooperative relationship Haiti has with Cuba and the fact that both countries participate in regional bodies designed to promote political and economic cooperation. Despite Post's representation of reftel points to the MFA, post considers it doubtful that Haiti will vote against the Embargo Resolution. SANDERSON