NEW ZEALAND UNABLE TO CO-SPONSOR RESOLUTION ON

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000899 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR EAP/ANP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM NZ SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND UNABLE TO CO-SPONSOR RESOLUTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN BELARUS REF: STATE 230264 ¶1. (SBU) Post delivered reftel resolution to Val Meyer, Deputy Director of the Human Rights Division, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT.) Meyer responded that, while there was no objection to the text as written, the GoNZ would not co-sponsor the resolution. Meyer cited resource constraints, noting that the GoNZ does not have accreditation with Belarus, and does not feel it has adequately followed the domestic human rights situation in that country. She emphasized that, prior to the UN General Assembly, the NZ delegation carefully selected priority issue areas, and is unable to deviate far from these selected topics. ¶2. (SBU) She added that NZ's voting on this issue will depend on the outcome of the formal and informal negotiations, and the resulting final text. She noted that the GoNZ prefers to "stand back and watch" negotiations before committing to a final position, especially on a topic where they have no predetermined stand. ¶3. (SBU) Comment: Despite their reluctance to co-sponsor, Post believes that New Zealand will support the resolution if no substantial textual changes are made. Swindells