IRELAND'S RESPONSE ON WEOG ROTATION FOR UNCHR

UNCLAS DUBLIN 001218 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PHUM PREL SUBJECT: IRELAND'S RESPONSE ON WEOG ROTATION FOR UNCHR MEMBERSHIP REF: STATE 172297 ¶1. On August 13, Post delivered reftel's requested demarche on the Western European and Others Group (WEOG) scheme for membership rotation in the UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) to Eamon McKay, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Councilor for Human Rights. McKay said that Ireland would favor an arrangement that obviated the need to expend as much energy as had been devoted to previous UNCHR elections. He noted Ireland's view that earlier WEOG rotation schemes seemed unrealistic, and he promised to review within the DFA the new U.S. proposal to cede UNCHR membership in 2 of the next 21 years. McKay observed that the U.S. offer appeared to be a positive step toward achieving a fair and proportional balance among UNCHR members. He added that Ireland recognized the need for sacrifice by all parties in order to reach agreement on a scheme that would ensure WEOG representation over appropriate time intervals. McKay offered to pass along to Foreign Minister Brian Cowen the reftel letter from Secretary Powell. KENNY