DELIVERED DEMARCHE ON UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

UNCLAS MASERU 000183 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/S E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KUNR PREL PHUM UNGA OPDC LT SUBJECT: DELIVERED DEMARCHE ON UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REF: (A) STATE 57036 (B) STATE 55461 ¶1. Ambassador delivered points on the Human Rights Council regarding countries' taking a pledge to support other candidates who have good Human Rights reports to Minister of Foreign Affairs Monyane Moleleki April 13. He agreed that it would be appropriate for Lesotho to take the pledge. He indicated that he would discuss this with the Prime Minister, but he stated that this was a point that the GOL would likely support. ¶2. Concerning Lesotho being considered a candidate for the Council, the Foreign Minister stated that his country would be very interested in being considered a candidate on the African group slate. He also stated that they were against membership of countries who abused human rights. We expect to have further details from the Minister and consider Lesotho's apparent willingness to stand for elections a very good development. PERRY