PERU ASKS FOR SUPPORT FOR HR COUNCIL CANDIDACY

UNCLAS LIMA 001157 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM UNGA PE SUBJECT: PERU ASKS FOR SUPPORT FOR HR COUNCIL CANDIDACY REF: USUN NEW YORK 568 ¶1. On 3/20 Post received a Diplomatic Note asking for USG support for Peru's candidacy to the Human Rights Council. Julio Garro, Foreign Ministry's Director of Multilateral Affairs, told Poloff on 3/21 that the GOP wished to emphasize the importance of this election for Peru. ¶2. Begin text of Diplomatic Note: (Complimentary Opening) The Ministry of Foreign Relations - Under Secretariat of Multilateral Affairs - presents its compliments to the Honorable Embassy of the United States of America and has the honor to inform the Embassy that the Government of Peru has decided to present its candidacy for the first elections of the Human Rights Council which will take place on May 9, 2006, within the framework of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. This Peruvian aspiration falls under Peru's firm commitment to work for the defense and advancement of human rights and fundamental liberties, in the international, regional and national realms, which has been shown through Peru's progress in the promotion and defense of human rights, particularly those of women; in its due care for victims of human rights abuses by way of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as its active participation in these matters at a regional and global level. If Peru were to be elected, it promises to work within the Human Rights Council to insure the respect and protection of human rights in its largest scope and to have the Council protect these rights from the point of view of the victims and reach its decisions based on legitimate criteria, and not on discrimination or political selectivity. Based on the statements made above, and in view of the excellent relations enjoyed by both countries, the Government of Peru would appreciate counting with the valuable support of the Government of the United States of America for the aforementioned candidacy. (Complimentary closing) STRUBLE