Cablegate: Haiti Likely to Support Cuba Embargo Resolution

VZCZCXRO3083
PP RUEHQU
DE RUEHPU #1743 3031356
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 301356Z OCT 07 ZDK
FM AMEMBASSY PORT AU PRINCE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7131
INFO RUEHZH/HAITI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 1341

UNCLAS PORT AU PRINCE 001743

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE PASS TO IO/UNP JOHN MARIZ

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNGA ETRD PHUM UNAUS CU HA
SUBJECT: HAITI LIKELY TO SUPPORT CUBA EMBARGO RESOLUTION

REF: SECSTATE 148506

1. (U) Reftel points were discussed October 26 with Ministry
of Foreign Affairs Director of International Organizations
Azad Belfort. Belfort told Poloff that Haiti enjoys good
relations with Cuba. He noted that Cuba has provided
assistance to Haiti in a number of areas, including health.

2. (SBU) In response to the request that Haiti vote against
the Cuba Embargo Resolution or at minimum abstain, Belfort
countered that Haiti typically votes consistent with
decisions made by the Latin American and Caribbean Group of
Countries (GRULAC), of which Cuba is a member. He expected
that Haiti would vote with the UNGA majority on the
Resolution.

3. (U) Belfort indicated he would share the points discussed
with Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Renald Clerisme and
would highlight the export figures presented. Belfort said
he was surprised the U.S. exports ranked so highly compared
to other Cuba trading partners. (Note: It may be important
to present greater detail on the amount and constitution of
U.S. exports to Cuba in discussions regarding the Embargo and
in future demarches. End Note.)

4. (SBU) While Belfort agreed to communicate the U.S.
position on the Embargo Resolution to Minister Clerisme, he
characterized the USG request as ''delicate'' given the
cooperative relationship Haiti has with Cuba and the fact
that both countries participate in regional bodies designed
to promote political and economic cooperation. Despite
Post's representation of reftel points to the MFA, post
considers it doubtful that Haiti will vote against the
Embargo Resolution.
SANDERSON

© Scoop Media