LESOTHO INTERESTED IN WIREC, VAGUELY SUPPORTIVE ON UN

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MASERU 000561 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID ENEG SENV TRGY UN PHUM KWMN SOCI PTER UNSC KDEM, PREL, LE, LT SUBJECT: LESOTHO INTERESTED IN WIREC, VAGUELY SUPPORTIVE ON UN ISSUES REF: A) STATE 138428; B) STATE 135255; C) STATE 129919; D) STATE 129764; AND E) STATE 107692 THIS IS A RETRANSMISSION OF A MESSAGE SENT ORIGINALLY ON OCTOBER 2, 2007. ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On October 2, Poloff met Lesotho's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Europe and Americas Director P.P. Makoaholo to discuss the upcoming WIREC conference and various UN issues. Makoaholo expressed interest in recruiting a high-level delegation for the WIREC conference and was vague but supportive on a variety of UN issues including the U.S. condemnation of the state use of rape, contributions to the Lebanon Special Tribunal, supporting Mali's initiatives in the Community of Democracies, and Felice Gaer's nomination for the Committee Against Torture. This "feel good vibe" may not result in a good UN voting pattern for Lesotho, but we'll continue to encourage GOL support. END SUMMARY. -------------- Interest in WIREC -------------- ¶2. (SBU) After Poloff briefed him on the WIREC conference in Washington in March 2008 (REF A),Makosholo stated that he believed the GOL would send representatives to the event. He immediately pointed to Minister of Natural Resources Moleleki as a possible head of delegation. He stated that he would hand over information on the event to First Secretary Ms. Pulane Seshemane (Europe and Americas Desk),who would provide a full delegation list to the Embassy by October 15. -------------- Rape Resolution -------------- ¶3. (SBU) When pressed on the U.S.-authored UN resolution, "Condemning the Use of Rape as an Instrument of State Policy," (REF B) Makosholo stated that "on the face of it, it is supportable." He concurred that the use of rape as an instrument of state policy was of great concern, citing events in Rwanda and Sudan. He stated that such policies "could not be tolerated," and said that he would contact Lesotho's UN delegation on the issue. -------------- Special Tribunal for Lebanon -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Regarding contributions to the UN Special Tribunal for Lebanon (REF C),Makosholo stated that the GOL had not yet received a request for funding from the UN. He stated that such a request would be considered, and pointed out that Lesotho had made a modest contribution to the Special Court of Sierra Leone and would view the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the same light. -------------- Mali and the Community of Democracies -------------- ¶5. (SBU) When asked about the Community of Democracies (CD) meeting held on the margins of the UN General Assembly on October 1 (REF D),Makosholo stated that Lesotho did not attend but did plan to be part of the CD Bamako Ministerial, noting the nation's attendance at the previous rounds in Seoul and Chile. He stated that Mali's suggestion to establish a CD Secretariat "sounded reasonable" and would be reviewed by the MFA. -------------- The Felice Gaer Candidacy -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Regarding the candidacy of Felice Gaer for the United Nations Committee Against Torture (REF E),Makosholo stated that, given the current high level of cooperation between the U.S. and Lesotho, he thought that GOL support was forthcoming. "I haven't heard anything specific, but I think that this one is taken care of," stated Makosholo. He noted that he would check with the MFA's Legal Division, as that organization keeps tabs on UN candidates. He also confirmed that he had received the U.S. Embassy's diplomatic note detailing Ms. Gaer's qualifications. -------------- Open Ears -------------- ¶7. (SBU) COMMENT: Makosholo repeatedly expressed confidence in the health of the U.S.-bilateral relationship in the wake of Prime Minister Mosisili's July visit to Washington to sign a MASERU 00000561 002 OF 002 compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation. We'll see if this "feel good vibe" results in a good UN voting pattern, but the MFA's ears seem open to our suggestions. END COMMENT. NOLAN