Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09GUATEMALA1015
2009-12-07 19:52:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Guatemala
Cable title:
Demarche Delivered: December Vote on "Defamation of
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHGT #1015 3411952 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 071952Z DEC 09 FM AMEMBASSY GUATEMALA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0549 INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0058 RUEHGT/AMEMBASSY GUATEMALA
UNCLAS GUATEMALA 001015
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM UNGA UN GT
SUBJECT: Demarche Delivered: December Vote on "Defamation of
Religions"
REF: 09 STATE 122637
(SBU) Human rights officer delivered demarche on the "combating
defamation of religions" resolution to Luis Carranza, the MFA's
Director for Multilateral Affairs. Carranza said Guatemala will
very likely adhere to its past practice of abstaining when the
resolution comes before the plenary session at the UNGA for a final
vote the week of 7-12 December. Carranza said it would be very
difficult for Guatemala to change its vote to "no" at this late
date given that the language in the resolution in the current
version remains essentially the same as in past drafts. Carranza,
however, admitted that the resolution was a highly political issue
and that Guatemala's position was "not carved in stone." He noted
in closing that the Papal Nuncio, Mons. Paul Gallagher, had
requested a meeting with Foreign Minister Rodas to also discuss the
resolution.
MCFARLAND