BOSNIA CONSIDERS UNHRC CANDIDACY

UNCLAS SARAJEVO 000210 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR IO/RHS, DRL/MGA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL UNHRC BK SUBJECT: BOSNIA CONSIDERS UNHRC CANDIDACY REF: STATE 10605 ¶1. (SBU) On January 29, poloff delivered reftel demarche to Anton Rill, Deputy Foreign Minister, inquiring whether Bosnia would consider running for an Eastern Europe Group seat in the UN Human Rights Commission. Deputy Minister Rill replied that a Bosnian UNHRC candidacy would be an "excellent idea" and undertook to raise the issue with Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic. He added however, that given the impending change in government, the initiative would require substantial coordination, and USG support, throughout the transition period. Rill stated that FM Ivanic would be unlikely to undertake this new initiative since he would remain in office only a few more days. Nonetheless, Rill promised to brief incoming the Foreign Minister and Deputy Minister on the idea and urge that the new leadership support Bosnia's candidacy. Note: Post will take this issue up with the new leadership at the MFA immediately upon their taking office, probably within two weeks. End Note. MCELHANEY