Cablegate: Bahamas Reacts Favorably to Draft Resolution

VZCZCXRO6728
RR RUEHGR
DE RUEHBH #1238 2771430
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 041430Z OCT 07
FM AMEMBASSY NASSAU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4826
INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS NASSAU 001238

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

IO/RHS FOR LINDA LUM

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: BF AORC UN PHUM KWMN
SUBJECT: BAHAMAS REACTS FAVORABLY TO DRAFT RESOLUTION
CONDEMNING RAPE AS STATE POLICY

REF: SECSTATE 135255

1. (U) On October 3, 2007, PolOff conveyed reftel talking
points to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Under Secretary Marilyn
Zonicle. Post provided the text of the draft resolution in
advance by fax. Ms. Zonicle said she had already consulted
with the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Sheila Carey, and other
government agencies, such as the Attorney General's office
and the Ministry of Health and Social Development, on the
draft. Speaking informally, Ms. Zonicle offered a
preliminary, extremely positive assessment of the draft
resolution, which she said was shared by her interlocutors,
even calling it a "no brainer".

2. (U) Ms. Zonicle queried whether sources of information
ought to be noted and asked, rhetorically as it turned out,
whether given the evidence specific countries ought to be
identified. PolOff replied as per reftel points that the U.S.
would work in good faith to improve the resolution's
language. Ms. Zonicle stated that, in her opinion, The
Bahamas could consider co-sponsoring the resolution, but
emphasized that it was too early to indicate the government's
position and that the Ministry would reply formally to the
demarche.

2. (U) COMMENT: Ms. Zonicle took a keen interest in the
issue and approached the draft resolution seriously. She
reviewed the text and consulted with other government
officials even though she had received the draft only the day
before due to a recent absence. END COMMENT.
ELMO

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