US embassy cable - 05COLOMBO706

C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 000706 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/12/2015 
TAGS: PHUM, PREL, CE, UN, Human Rights 
SUBJECT: SRI LANKA:  "INFORMAL" SUPPORT FOR BELARUS 
RESOLUTION 
 
REF: A. STATE 66404 
 
     B. STATE 56093 
 
Classified By: James F. Entwistle, Deputy Chief of Mission.  Reason 1.4 
(b,d). 
 
1. (C) On April 12, poloff delivered Ref B points to V. 
Krishnamoorthy, Director of UN, Human Rights, and 
Multilateral Affairs at the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
Krishnamoorthy replied that the Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) 
had no position on the Belarus resolution, as of yet.  He 
thought the "decision would be taken on the ground," 
referring to the GSL's mission in Geneva.  He also believed 
that the MFA has asked its Geneva mission for a 
recommendation on the matter, but had not yet had a reply. 
He also said that the Russian Federation had approached the 
MFA, possibly on the Belarus matter, but was not part of that 
discussion. 
 
2.  (C) Krishnamoorthy said Sri Lanka was very grateful for 
the many countries' support and assistance, including the 
U.S., following the tsunami and would consider that when 
evaluating its position.  Notwithstanding, he reiterated the 
GSL's intention to abstain on the Cuba resolution and support 
the (EU's) DPRK resolution. 
 
3.  (C) Ambassador also raised Ref B points with the Foreign 
Minister April 11, encouraging the GSL's support for the 
Belarus resolution.  In an April 12 conversation with 
Ambassador, the Foreign Secretary said the GSL "should be 
able to vote in favor." 
 
4.  (C) In a April 12 follow-up call, poloff reminded 
Krishnamoorthy that Sri Lanka had supported the Belarus 
resolution during the 2004 session of the UN CHR. 
Krishnamoorthy replied that he had spoken with his Director 
General and that the GSL would likely support the Belarus 
resolution this year, as well as oppose any no-action motion, 
but stressed that he was speaking only "informally."  No need 
to say anything official yet, he added. 
 
5.  (C) Mission suggests that Geneva approach the Sri Lankan 
delegation there to see if there is official support from the 
GSL. 
 
 
LUNSTEAD