LESOTHO'S FOREIGN MINISTER ADDRESSES NAM UNGA RESOLUTION,

UNCLAS MASERU 000538 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR AF/S E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNGA LE IS PHUM PREL PTER LS SUBJECT: LESOTHO'S FOREIGN MINISTER ADDRESSES NAM UNGA RESOLUTION, DETAINEE ISSUES REF: a) STATE 176793; b) STATE 178020 ¶1. On October 26, Ambassador Perry (accompanied by POLOFF Smith, notetaker) delivered a demarche (Reftel A) on the Non-Aligned Movement's draft resolution "Consequences of the Israeli Invasion on the Human Rights Situation in Lebanon" to Lesotho's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Monyane Moleleki. Minister Moleleki responded that he agreed with U.S. concerns about the unbalanced nature of the resolution's condemnation of Israel without mentioning Hezbollah, and stated that he would discuss the issue with Lesotho's Permanent Representative to the UN in New York. He declined to decisively state which way Lesotho would vote on the issue, citing the influence of "peer pressure." However, calling members of Hezbollah "thugs", he strongly criticized its practices as leading to the unnecessary deaths of Lebanese civilians. The Ambassador stressed the importance of member states' ability to act independently and urged the GOL not to support the resolution. ¶2. Ambassador took the opportunity to brief the FOMIN on detainee issues (Reftel B). Minister Moleleki stated that, to his chagrin, the United States was an easier target for criticism than the "nefarious" terrorist organizations it struggles against due to the fact that the U.S. is a well functioning state. ¶3. Comment: A full response from the GOL covering its voting position is not expected right away. The Minister indicated that one or two of the GOL's New York staff would be reviewing this matter, but did not have a specific timeframe for decision. End Comment. PERRY