SUPPORT FOR USG PROPOSAL RE: HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

UNCLAS MASERU 000394 SIPDIS STATE FOR IO AND AF E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL LT UNGA UNHCR SUBJECT: SUPPORT FOR USG PROPOSAL RE: HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REF: STATE 140192 ¶1. (U) Charge met August 2 with Minister of Foreign Affairs Monyane Moleleki to deliver talking points in ref regarding the USG position on creation of a Human Rights Council. Charge noted, in particular, the flexibility of the USG on issues of the Council's size, mandate, and membership criteria. ¶2. (U) Moleleki responded that Lesotho embraces democratic principles, which necessarily include respect for human rights. The GOL completely supports the USG views regarding the Council. If anything, the Minister commented, the U.S. is being a bit too flexible regarding the group's size and membership criteria. Thirty-five members might make the body unwieldy. Also, perhaps only countries which genuinely support and respect human rights would be appropriate for the Council. Moleleki added that Lesotho had never held any of the misconceptions about the USG position noted in ref . ALBRECHT