ACTION TAKEN: DEMARCHE ON THIRD COMMITTEE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 002861

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/09/2014
TAGS: PHUM PREL DEMARCHE HUMAN RIGHTS
SUBJECT: ACTION TAKEN: DEMARCHE ON THIRD COMMITTEE
RESOLUTIONS DELIVERED

REF: SECSTATE 236869


1. (U) On November 9 Pol/Econoff delivered reftel demarche to
MFA diplomatic attach Selwa al-Rifai. Rifai said that due
to the Eid holidays no one was available to give an
indication as to how ROYG would vote on the resolutions.


2. (C) Rifai stated that while Yemen supports Human Rights
resolutions, it is reluctant to interfere in the internal
affairs of other nations. This comment echoed statements
made by the ROYG delegation to the Third Committee in 2001
where it noted that politicizing human rights issues and
interfering with the internal affairs of nations was against
its principals. Rifai added that ROYG would likely have a
different approach in dealing with Muslim nations although
she was not specific as to how.


3. (U) The ROYG has been "absent" in the Third Committee when
votes concerning the human rights situation in Turkemnistan,
Iran and Sudan were before the committee. There are no
indications that ROYG stance has changed. Post predicts that
the ROYG will likely abstain or be absent from votes on
resolutions involving Iran, Sudan and Turkmenistan. ROYG
will also likely abstain from a vote on Belarus and Zimbabwae.


4. (U) Rifai noted that all points will be forwarded to the
ROYG UN Mission Head in New York for review and action. Post
will keep Department informed of any new developments.
KRAJESKI