Cablegate: Ecuador to Support Cuban Unga Resolution

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS QUITO 002762

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL ETRD EC
SUBJECT: ECUADOR TO SUPPORT CUBAN UNGA RESOLUTION

REF: SECSTATE 215870

1. (U) In response to Reftel, the Embassy October 7
delivered pro-embargo, anti-resolution talking points to the
Ecuadorian foreign ministry. In a follow-up meeting October
14 with MFA Director General for Multilateral Policy Miguel
Mendes, Poloff emphasized three points: the U.S. embargo was
a bilateral matter not relevant for multilateral discussion,
it was but one tool the USG was utilizing to foment
democratic opposition and a peaceful transition in Cuba, and
the international community should focus instead on Castro's
documented human rights abuses.

2. (U) Mendes claimed to have visited Cuba recently and
there saw great suffering. Not only Castro's lackeys, but
the rank-and-file too, blamed the embargo for their
deplorable living standards. Mendes erroneously believed the
U.S. measure prevented foreign-based multinational
corporations from doing business in Cuba, and called for its
lifting on humanitarian grounds. The GoE deplored Castro's
imprisonment of dissidents and other draconian policies,
however, and would continue to push for glasnost on the
island.

3. (SBU) COMMENT: Pressed, Mendes admitted Ecuador would
follow its long-standing policy of supporting Cuba's
anti-embargo UNGA vote. His professed concern over GoC human
rights abuses was disingenuous, unfortunately, as Castro
remains a beloved figure in Ecuador, especially amongst its
left-leaning diplomats.
KENNEY

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