PANAMA: SUPPORT FOR US VIEWS ON UN HUMAN RIGHTS

UNCLAS PANAMA 001646 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CEN IO FOR MARK LAGON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL UNHCR UNGA LABOR HUMAN RIGHTSPOLMIL SUBJECT: PANAMA: SUPPORT FOR US VIEWS ON UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REF: STATE 140192 ¶1. (SBU) PolOff delivered Reftel demarche talking points to MFA Deputy International Organizations and Commissions Director Nubia Lezcano on August 2, stressing the U.S. desire for Panama's continued support in creating a new UN Human Rights Council. PolOff emphasized the need for an action-oriented council that can help improve human rights situations on the ground. PolOff reiterated the U.S. desire to have a small number of members on the council enabling it to operate quickly and with more efficiency. Lezcano said she would discuss the matter with MFA Human Rights Director Janio Tunion when he returns from his vacation on August 15. Embassy will report any further developments to the Department. ARREAGA