DEMARCHE ON UN THIRD COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS

UNCLAS MASERU 000578 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL LT UNHCR SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON UN THIRD COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS REF: STATE 204646 ¶1. On November 8 CAI met with MFA Acting Principal Secretary Thabang Lekhela to deliver and discuss talking points in ref. Pitso Makosholo, Chief, Division of Europe and the Americas, also attended. ¶2. Charge prefaced his presentation of the points by noting Lesotho's participation in the AU Peer Review Mechanism. A country that took the initiative for a formal critique by AU members clearly values open and frank discussions on a wide range of subjects, including human rights. Considering this, it was hoped that Lesotho would support the subject resolutions. ¶3. Lekhela stressed the importance Lesotho attaches to human rights issues. The country's tendency is to not oppose such resolutions or support no-action votes at the UN. It was indeed regrettable, the PS added, that governments such as those which are the subjects of the resolutions, exist in the twenty-first century. This would be the backdrop against which the GOL would develop its position. That being said, MFA would have to consult with its missions in Geneva and New York, and the Ministry of Justice to before a final decision is made regarding Lesotho's votes. ALBRECHT