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