DEMARCHE DELIVERED: THE U.S. AND THE HUMAN RIGHTS

UNCLAS BRATISLAVA 000275 SIPDIS SENSITIVE C O R R E C T E D COPY CAPTION STATE FOR EUR/NCE, IO/UNP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM LO SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: THE U.S. AND THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (HRC) REF: STATE 016034 ¶1. (SBU) Pol/Econ Chief conveyed reftel points to Veronika Lombardini, Director of the MFA's Human Rights Office on June ¶10. Lombardini did not appear surprised by the news, saying that she understood U.S. objections to various trends and developments within the Council. That said, Lombardini expressed concern that such a move would limit U.S. ability to engage a wide range of countries in human rights dialogue. The GOS believes, Lombardini added, that participation in even such imperfect bodies has intrinsic value and can lead to progress on at least some issues. Lombardini cited the "universal periodic review" as a worthwhile mechanism which could help improve countries' human rights performances and urged continued U.S. cooperation. Pol/Econ Chief emphasized continued U.S. commitment to the promotion of human rights and plans to engage more actively in other multilateral venues, e.g., the UN's Third Committee. Separately, Lombardini noted that the MFA was developing a detailed program of priorities for Slovakia's upcoming tenure in the HRC, which will begin at the end of the month, and stressed Slovakia's plans to coordinate closely with other EU HRC members. OBSITNIK