JAPAN SUPPORTS COUNTRY-SPECIFIC RESOLUTIONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 006469 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/08/2016 TAGS: PHUM PRELHRC UNHRC KTIA UNDC JA SUBJECT: JAPAN SUPPORTS COUNTRY-SPECIFIC RESOLUTIONS REF: STATE 182267 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor W. Michael Meserve. Reason : 1.4 (b)(d). (C) Political Section Deputy conveyed reftel demarche November 9 to MOFA Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Division Principle Deputy Director Yoriko Suzuki. Ms. Suzuki subsequently contacted Section Deputy to say that Japan, in general, agrees with the U.S. approach to the country specific resolutions. While Japan has not yet completed its internal deliberations, she said she expects Japan to support all of them, although it might not co-sponsor them all. She then addressed each country-specific resolution. Iran -------------- ¶2. (C) Japan would probably vote in favor of the Iran resolution but not co-sponsor it. Japan, she noted, maintains a human rights dialogue with Iran and also provides technical assistance. Japan would like to maintain these channels and so will not co-sponsor. Belarus -------------- ¶3. (C) Japan will vote in favor and co-sponsor, Ms. Suzuki stated. Uzbekistan -------------- ¶4. (C) Japan is waiting to see how the countries of the EU respond, Ms. Suzuki said. Last year, Japan voted in favor of, but did not co-sponsor, the country-specific resolution on Uzbekistan and, as a result, bilateral relations became strained. Suzuki said it was her personal belief that Japan would again vote in favor of the resolution, but not co-sponsor. Burma -------------- ¶5. (C) Ms. Suzuki said that Japan would vote as it did last year: vote in favor, but not co-sponsor. North Korea -------------- ¶6. Japan will vote in favor of and co-sponsor the North Korea resolution. SCHIEFFER