VZCZCXYZ0009
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHLI #2745 3021721
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 291721Z OCT 07
FM AMEMBASSY LISBON
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6387
UNCLAS LISBON 002745
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
IO (MARIZ)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UN ETRD PHUM PO
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL RESPONSE ON CUBA EMBARGO RESOLUTION AT
THE UNGA
REF: SECSTATE 148506
1. (U) Poloff delivered reftel points, stressing that the
embargo was a matter of bilateral policy and that the UN
resolution was an attempt to deflect the international
community's attention away from the ongoing human rights
crisis in Cuba. MFA International Affairs Officer Miguel
Maia do Vale acknowledged the message but replied that
Portugal would follow the EU's common position when voting.
He mentioned that Portugal was aware of our defense of the
embargo but tended to follow the EU's finding that the
embargo was illegal under international law.
2. (U) Comment: It is unlikely that Portugal will abstain or
vote against this measure at the October 30 vote since any
major departure would have been carefully discussed among
member states. End comment.
Hoffman