CZECHS SEEK USG SUPPORT FOR COMMISSION ON HUMAN

UNCLAS PRAGUE 000177 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM AORC EZ UN SUBJECT: CZECHS SEEK USG SUPPORT FOR COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS CANDIDACY REF: A. PRAGUE 116 ¶B. STATE 17231 ¶1. Summary and comment: The Czech government intends to run for a seat on the UN Commission on Human Rights in 2006 and seeks USG support. In a recent meeting, Czech MFA officials acknowledge that they face tough competition, with Poland and Lithuania also likely to vie for the two seats open in this region. Nonetheless, they point to the Czech Republic's continued active role on human rights generally, and in the CHR specifically (e.g., their proactive efforts to get the EU to sponsor this year's resolution on Cuba, reftels),in support of their candidacy. ¶2. Begin text of Czech MFA note number 102167/2005-LP dated January 28, 2005: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of American and has the honour to recall that the Government of the Czech Republic has decided to present its candidature to the Commission on Human Rights for the period 2007-2009 at the elections to be held during the resumed organisational session of the Economic and Social Council in April/May 2006. The respective candidature has been previously circulated to partners in June 2003. Reflecting on its historical experience, the Government of the Czech Republic attaches the great importance to the protection, promotion, and implementation of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. The protection of fundamental human rights is a matter of priority and one of the foundations of Czech national and foreign policy. Its sustained attention is devoted to the observance of regional and universal human rights mechanisms. In order to achieve the overarching goal to strengthen the rule of law throughout the multilateral system, the Government of the Czech Republic would highly appreciate the valuable support of the Government of the United States of America for its candidature to the Commission on Human Rights during the elections in 2006. Should the above request be acceptable to the esteemed Embassy of the United States of America a written confirmation of its support in this regard would be greatly appreciated. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest consideration. End text. ¶3. Action request: Response to GOCR request. CABANISS