COSTA RICA: OPPOSING UNGA RESOLUTIONS WITH

UNCLAS SAN JOSE 000937 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CEN AND IO/UNP AMORRISON. E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNGA XF CS SUBJECT: COSTA RICA: OPPOSING UNGA RESOLUTIONS WITH ANTI-ISRAEL BIAS REF: A. SECSTATE 123081 ¶B. SAN JOSE 129 ¶1. (SBU) We delivered Ref A on November 26 to MFA Deputy Director of Foreign Policy Alejandro Solano. On December 1, Solano informed us that Costa Rica typically supported these resolutions, while always seeking balanced language and balanced responsibilities on behalf of the parties. He admitted, however, that there was an "excessive number of resolutions on this subject" and that the politicization of the topic of Israel in the UN in no way helped negotiations and the "space for dialogue." Last year, he said, Costa Rica abstained on A/62/83 but voted in favor of A/62/80 and A/62/81. ¶2. (SBU) Solano reiterated the GOCR's support for: a two-state solution; the work of the Quartet; condemnation of terrorist acts in the region; and negotiation of the issues of borders, the occupied territories, and the wall. ¶3. (SBU) COMMENT: We do not expect this demarche to change the GOCR's votes, especially given its recognition of the "State of Palestine" earlier this year (Ref B). However, Solano's acknowledgment of the excessive number of anti-Israeli resolutions and his objection to the politicization of the topic seems to signal room to be convinced. We suspect that FonMin Stagno manages this issue personally, so more pressing at higher levels might be appropriate in this case. END COMMENT. CIANCHETTE