NICARAGUA SEEKS USG SUPPORT FOR MEMBERSHIP IN U.N.

UNCLAS MANAGUA 000763 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CEN AND IO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL UNGA NU SUBJECT: NICARAGUA SEEKS USG SUPPORT FOR MEMBERSHIP IN U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ¶1. On March 31, post received a diplomatic note from the Foreign Ministry dated March 31 stating that the government of Nicaragua (GON) will present Nicaragua as a candidate for membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council when voting for membership takes place in the U.N. General Assembly in May. The note solicits USG support for Nicaragua's candidacy. Informal translation of the diplomatic note follows. The original Spanish-language version of the note will be faxed to WHA/CEN. ¶2. Informal translation of the GON diplomatic note: (Official Government Seal) Ministry of Foreign Relations MRE/DGOI/00819/03/06 The International Organizations Section of the Ministry of Foreign Relations of the Republic of Nicaragua presents its compliments to the Honorable Embassy of the United States of America and takes the opportunity to inform the Honorable Embassy that the Government of Nicaragua has decided to present its candidacy for membership in the Human Rights Council of the United Nations during the elections that will take place in the General Assembly in New York on May 9, ¶2006. As a founding member of the United Nations loyal to the principles of the organization, Nicaragua has always sought to contribute to the great tasks that the United Nations has sought to carry out, particularly in the areas of international security, the consolidation of peace, the eradication of poverty and the promotion of development, while always taking into account the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental liberties. Nicaragua is convinced that it can continue to contribute to the accomplishment of the objectives of the United Nations, taking into account that the organization currently faces the challenges of reforming itself and continually adapting itself to the challenges posed by a changing international environment. In recent years Nicaragua has been recognized by the international community as a country committed to the fight against corruption, the promotion of good governance, and the promotion of disarmament, efforts that have had positive effects on the region. Nicaragua could share these concrete experiences with other states from its position as a member of the Human Rights Council. Nicaragua was a member of the former Human Rights Commission on four occasions, most recently from 1995 to 1997, and always distinguished itself by playing a positive, objective role in the work carried out by that important body, particularly in the promotion of dialogue and cooperation between member states, observers, inter-governmental institutions, and civil society. Nicaragua places particular importance on its candidacy for the Human Rights Council and is aware that, far from being a privilege, membership in this council constitutes a serious commitment and a great responsibility. Taking into account that this membership will be chosen based on geographic distribution, it hopes that small countries will have the opportunity to participate. Taking into account the close ties of friendship between the Illustrious Government of the United States and the Government of Nicaragua, we ask for your valuable support for the Nicaraguan candidacy. The International Organizations Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Nicaragua takes the opportunity to assure the Honorable Embassy of the United States of America of its highest consideration. Managua, 31 March 2006 (Signature and official Ministry seal END TEXT OF DIPLOMATIC NOTE TRIVELLI