ARMENIA REQUESTS U.S. SUPPORT FOR COMMISSION

UNCLAS YEREVAN 000072

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR EUR/CACEN ESIDEREAS

E.O. 12598: N/A
TAGS: PHUM AM UNUS
SUBJECT: ARMENIA REQUESTS U.S. SUPPORT FOR COMMISSION
ON HUMAN RIGHTS CANDIDACY



1. (U) Sensitive but unclassified. Please protect
accordingly.

2. (SBU) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent us a
diplomatic note dated January 8 requesting U.S. support
for Armenia's candidacy for the United Nations
Commission on Human Rights.

3. (SBU) Begin text of MFA diplomatic note:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Armenia presents its compliments to the Department of
State of the United States of America and has the honor
to inform that the Government of Armenia has decided to
present its candidature for the re-election to the
United Nations Commission on Human Rights for the
period 2005-2007 at the elections to be held during the
organizational session of the United Nations Economic
and Social Council in May 2004.
The Government of the Republic of Armenia has been
highly committed to the promotion and protection of
human rights since the very first days of its
independence. Armenia joined to over 40 legal
instruments in the field and has been consistently
implementing a comprehensive reform package for further
strengthening the legal and practical frameworks for
the protection and promotion of human rights. Armenia
has been co-operating extensively with numerous
international and regional organizations, including the
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and
the Council of Europe, in order to consolidate its
domestic efforts, that have been duly credited by all
of its partners from among the international community.
This year the Armenia Parliament has adopted the Law on
the Ombudsman and ratified the 6th Protocol of the
European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights
and Fundamental Freedoms. These decisions once again
certify Armenia's choice of a society appraising humane
values and its firm commitment to the ideals based on
the respect of human rights and human dignity.
Armenia considers the issue of the promotion and
protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms
as a cornerstone for international security, stability
and durable peace. Armenia regards the UN Commission
as one of key international for a for the discussion of
human rights issues and in previous years has extended
its support and co-sponsorship to more than 150
resolutions adopted by the Commission. During its
ongoing membership term, Armenia is bringing its active
participation to the deliberations of the Commission on
key human rights issues. The Government of Armenia
believes that it can uphold its contribution to the
work of the Commission and had therefore sought re-
election to it.
The Government of Armenia would highly appreciate the
support of the United States Government to Armenia's
candidature and would like to assure that if re-
elected, Armenia will continue to do its utmost for
further cooperation on human rights among all UN member
states.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Armenia avails itself of this opportunity to renew to
the Department of State of the United States of America
assurances of its highest consideration.
End text.
WALKER