DEMARCHE TO BELGIUM ON COUNTRY SPECIFIC HUMAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRUSSELS 003722 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/02/2011 TAGS: KTIA PHUM PREL BE SUBJECT: DEMARCHE TO BELGIUM ON COUNTRY SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS RESOLUTIONS -- WHY THEY HAVE NOT CO-SPONSORED THE UZBEKISTAN RESOLUTION REF: SECSTATE 182267 Classified By: Political Counselor Theodore H Andrews, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (U) The acting head of the MFA's International Organizations Division told polcouns Belgium has decided to delay a decision on co-sponsoring the Uzbekistan resolution in the Third Committee until November 8, date of the EU's consultations in Brussels with the Uzbeks. The Uzbek Foreign Minister will hold a separate bilateral with Belgian FM De Gucht during the course of the day to discuss bilateral and OSCE issues. ¶2. (C) Although nine EU member states reportedly have agreed to co-sponsor the resolution, Belgium and thirteen others will hold off on taking a stand until after the November 8 meeting, according to our source, who hinted strongly that pressure from the Germans had something to do with the decision to delay. The Belgians hope the November 8 meeting will clarify the situation sufficiently to justify their deciding to co-sponsor. ¶3. (U) Our contact confirmed that the Belgians had joined the EU consensus on the other resolutions. Imbrie .