URUGUAY DEMARCHED ON US CONCERNS ABOUT HUMAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L MONTEVIDEO 000785

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT ALSO FOR WHA/BSC AND IO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/15/2016
TAGS: PREL PHUM UNHRC UY
SUBJECT: URUGUAY DEMARCHED ON US CONCERNS ABOUT HUMAN
RIGHTS COUNCIL

REF: STATE 136467

Classified By: Charge D'Affaires James D. Nealon
for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D)


1. (C) On August 22, PolCouns delivered reftel demarche to
the only available officer in the MFA's office of the
Director General for Political Affairs Alvaro Gallardo,
stressing that the US had genuine concerns that new Human
Rights Council (HRC) was less than balanced on its treatment
of Israel. The points were taken on board, but it was
explained that virtually no diplomats, including Gallardo,
were available for substantive discussions this week while
the competitive exam process for promotions was taking place.
In addition, she said the MFA will be closed on August 25
because of Uruguayan Independence Day. Polcouns experienced
similar responses from other sections of the MFA, including
Multilateral Affairs.


2. (C) PolCouns was referred by the America Desk to the MFA
website for a copy of Uruguay's August 11 declaration at the
Second Special Session of the HRC which in part reads:

(Unofficial translation) "The humanitarian crisis has also
affected the north of Israel, which has been attacked daily
by missiles, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to
abandon their homes. An inescapable condition for a solution
of this conflict is to ensure Israel's right to have secure
borders."


3. (C) Embassy expects to engage suitable senior MFA
officials in more substantive exchanges on reftel subject
next week once the competitive exam process has terminated.
Nealon