JAMAICA: PRIME MINISTER GOLDING'S RESPONSE TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINGSTON 000838

SIPDIS

WHA/CAR - ANDRE CADIEUX
IO/RHS - REBECCA JOVIN
DRL/MLGA - LYNN SICADE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/22/2018
TAGS: PHUM PREL UN JM XL
SUBJECT: JAMAICA: PRIME MINISTER GOLDING'S RESPONSE TO
DEMARCHE ON UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE 2008 HUMAN RIGHTS
PRIORITIES

REF: A. STATE 95334 (051845Z SEP 08)

B. KINGSTON 807 (121845Z SEP 08)

Classified By: Charge' d' Affaires a.i. James T. Heg, Reasons 1.5 (B) a
nd (D)

1.(C) As noted paragraph three of reftel (B),following the
meeting with Foreign Minister Baugh to deliver demarche on
UNGA Third Committee 2008 human rights priorities, on
September 10 Post provided a copy to the Office of Prime
Minister Bruce Golding.

2.(C) On the afternoon of September 22, Post received the
following letter from the Office of the Prime Minister,
addressed to Ambassador and dated September 18:

(begin text of Prime Minister's letter of September 18)
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" Dear Ambassador LaGrange Johnson:

I refer to your memorandum dated 10th September regarding a
number of issues likely to be deliberated on at the 63rd
United nations General Assembly. I have noted your concerns.
I note, also, that these were the subject of discussions
between yourself and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Foreign Trade.

Jamaica's position on these matters will be consistent with
our unequivocal commitment to human rights, international
peace and security and the right to self-determination,
sovereignty, territorial integrity and the independence of
States. We remain fully supportive of the United Nations
Charter and the resolutions adopted to support it.

I note your comments on Jamaica's voting record at the United
Nations. The instances in which our votes differ from those
of the United States relate predominantly to issues
concerning conflicts in the Middle East. Jamaica has
consistently supported the achievement of a just and
comprehensive settlement that recognizes the right of all
states including Israel, to live in peace and the right of
Palestine to statehood. Our position is generally consistent
with that of the overwhelming majority of member states and
recognizes the crucial role of the United Nations in
advancing the peace process in the Middle East.

Yours sincerely,
/s/
Bruce Golding
Prime Minister"

(end text of Prime Minister's letter of September 18)
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HEG