UAE NOT ENTHUSIASTIC TO PRESS HUMAN RIGHTS AT UNGA THIRD

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 001004 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP, IO/UNP, IO/RHS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/05/2018 TAGS: PREL PHUM AE SUBJECT: UAE NOT ENTHUSIASTIC TO PRESS HUMAN RIGHTS AT UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE REF: STATE 93981 Classified by Charge d'Affaires Martin Quinn, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). (C) A/DCM pressed reftel points with MFA Director for International Organizations Yacub al-Hosani on September 4, emphasizing the need for a principled stand against "no action" motions that prevent a vital review of human rights violations and the need to address the severe human rights abuses of countries like Iran, Burma, the DPRK, and Zimbabwe. Al-Hosani said interference in "internal matters" was not the UAEG's approach and it preferred not to engage aggressively. The UAE often abstains rather than associate itself with a controversial resolution citing problems in another country, said Al-Hosani, although he did not offer specifics on his nation's Third Committee record. Al-Hosani was not familiar with the "defamation of religion" debate, but he thoughtfully listened to the arguments and said he would look into the matter. QUINN