US embassy cable - 04GUATEMALA747

C O N F I D E N T I A L GUATEMALA 000747 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/25/2014 
TAGS: PREL, PHUM, GT, UNHRC-1 
SUBJECT: GUATEMALA SUPPORT LIKELY ON CUBA AND CHINA IN UNCHR 
 
REF: A. SECSTATE 65652 
     B. SECSTATE 62815 
 
Classified By: Acting PolChief Erik Hall for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d). 
 
1. (C) On March 25, in response to reftel demarches, MFA Vice 
Minister Jorge Skinner-Klee told DCM and PolOff that the GOG 
will support the Honduran resolution on Cuba, but is 
undecided on whether to co-sponsor.  DCM forcefully argued 
for co-sponsorship and co-tabling on the merits, using reftel 
talking points.  Skinner-Klee expressed personal agreement, 
but said GOG co-tabling has never been in the cards.  He said 
a final decision on co-sponsorship is likely only after 
President Berger and FM Briz return from a regional summit in 
Managua, where it will likely be discussed between Berger and 
Honduran President Maduro. 
 
2.  (C) According to Skinner-Klee, the GOG will oppose any 
no-action motions on principle.  He said he will recommend to 
FM Briz that the GOG vote in favor of the China resolution, 
saying he personally believes the resolution is justified. 
Skinner-Klee applauded USG efforts to raise Chinese human 
rights violations in the UNCHR. 
 
3.  (C) Comment:  The GOG receives substantial aid from the 
ROC and none from China.  We believe a Guatemalan vote 
against any no-action motion is assured and a GOG vote in 
favor of the China resolution is likely, as is a GOG vote in 
favor of the Cuba resolution.  We will continue to encourage 
co-sponsorship of the Cuba resolution, despite possible GOG 
misgivings. 
HAMILTON