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