DEMARCHE DELIVERED: UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY THIRD

C O N F I D E N T I A L PANAMA 000743

SIPDIS

DEPT PASS TO IO/RHS REBECCA JOVIN AND DRL/MLGA LYNN SICADE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/10/2018
TAGS: PHUM PREL PM
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY THIRD
COMMITTEE 2008 HUMAN RIGHTS PRIORITIES

REF: SECSTATE 93981

Classified By: Classified by POLCOUNS Brian R. Naranjo for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d)


1. (C) POLOFF delivered Reftel demarche on UN General
Assembly Third Committee 2008 Human Rights Priorities to MFA
Human Rights Officer Janio Tunon on September 10. Tunon
generally refused to answer directly whether Panama would
support certain resolutions without specific text in hand.
However, Tunon indicated it likely that Panama would favor
resolutions about the human rights situation in Iran and DPRK
but would not commit to Panama co-sponsoring such
resolutions. Regarding Zimbabwe, Tunon expressed the need
for support from South Africa for any resolution. He
expressed Panama's support for the Special Rapporteur on
Sudan.


2. (C) Regarding thematic resolutions, Tunon offered no
information about Panama's intentions, but promised to
consult with his superiors on specific resolutions. Post
will report any additional information SEPTEL.
STEPHENSON