Cablegate: Costa Rica Supporting Libyan Unsc Settlements

VZCZCXYZ0009
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSJ #0589 1921756
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 101756Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY SAN JOSE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9927
INFO RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0792

C O N F I D E N T I A L SAN JOSE 000589

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CEN AND IO/UNP

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/10/2018
TAGS: IS LE PREL SY UNSC CS
SUBJECT: COSTA RICA SUPPORTING LIBYAN UNSC SETTLEMENTS
RESOLUTION

REF: A. STATE 73171
B. USUN 614
C. SAN JOSE 129

Classified By: POL/C David E. Henifin for reason 1.4(d).

1. (SBU) We delivered Ref A on July 9 to Antonio Alarcon,
FoMin Stagno's Chief of Staff, and to Juan Salas, MFA UNSC
Desk Officer. Alarcon told DCM Brennan they would review the
issue carefully, and, based on our points, Alarcon did not
think the GOCR would have a problem going along with the U.S.
on this one. However, PolOff spoke around the same
time to Salas, who told us the GOCR was supporting the
resolution, but wanted to confirm it was the Libyan version
they were supporting.

2. (SBU) After seeing Ref B, PolOff contacted Salas again on
July 10 to confirm the GOCR's position, and was told by
Salas that Costa Rica was/was supporting the Libyan version.
Salas asked PolOff to send our points in writing
so that he could inform others at the MFA. As we were
prohibited from leaving a non-paper by Ref A, we reiterated
the points verbally. Salas asked PolOff to follow up with
UNSC Team Member Deyanira Ramirez, who is handling
Middle East issues.

3. (C) COMMENT: We suspect that Costa Rica's newly-widened
diplomatic ties to seven Arab nations and the "State" of
Palestine (Ref C) may be fueling this rather odd MFA
position. Based on Alarcon's original comments and the MFA's
request for our views, the door may still be open to bring
Costa Rica around. We assume USUN can do this more
effectively, directly (and quickly) in New York. If we can
buttress those efforts here, please advise.
CIANCHETTE

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