AZERBAIJAN SEEKS ELECTION TO UN HUMAN RIGHTS

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAKU 000606 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/18/2016 TAGS: PREL KUNR OPDC PHUM UNGA AJ SUBJECT: AZERBAIJAN SEEKS ELECTION TO UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REF: A. STATE 57036 ¶B. STATE 55461 Classified By: DCM Jason Hyland, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (SBU) On April 10, post received a diplomatic note from the MFA in which the GOAJ formally requested the USG support its candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council. The text of the dipnote follows in paragraph 3. We understand the GOAJ presented a similar dipnote to USUN. ¶2. (C) During an April 13 meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov asked the DCM for USG support for Azerbaijan's candidacy. DCM said that the Embassy would convey the GOAJ's strong interest in the UNHRC to Washington. DCM also presented the Deputy Foreign Minister with a copy of the Secretary's letter on the topic to convey to the Foreign Minister (Ref A). Khalafov said he would convey the letter and the information to the Foreign Minister. In a separate meeting April 10, Poloff presented Ref B to the MFA Attache for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Fakhraddin Ismayilov. Ismayilov also indicated that the GOAJ would seek USG support for its HRC candidacy. ¶3. (SBU) Following is the text of the MFA's dipnote: (Begin text) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America in Baku and has the honor to inform that the Government of Azerbaijan has decided to present its candidature to the Human Rights Council at the election to be held during the General Assembly Session on May 9, 2006. Since the restoration of its independence, the Republic of Azerbaijan declared its commitment to building a civil society based on democracy, rule of law, and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Azerbaijan pursues the policy of active cooperation with international organizations, their respective bodies and institutions in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Azerbaijan is a party to all major international human rights instruments and has recognized the competence of the respective UN treaty monitoring bodies. The Ministry has the honor to bring to the attention of the esteemed Embassy that the Republic of Azerbaijan for the first time has been elected to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights for the period of 2006 - 2008. Due to the envisaged termination of the Commission, the Government of Azerbaijan believes it would be fair to provide Azerbaijan with the opportunity to contribute to the achievement of shared objectives in the field of human rights in the Human Rights Council. The Government of Azerbaijan would be most grateful if the Government of the United States of America, taking into consideration the friendly relations and close cooperation existing between the two countries lend its valuable support to the candidature of the Government of Azerbaijan in the aforementioned election. The Government of Azerbaijan is ready to favorably consider proposals of mutual support. The Ministry avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy the assurance of its highest consideration. Baku, April 10, 2006. (End text) HARNISH