Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BRUSSELS871
2008-06-09 15:15:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Brussels
Cable title:
BELGIANS DISAPPOINTED AT USG DECISION TO NO LONGER
how-toVZCZCXYZ0001 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHBS #0871 1611515 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 091515Z JUN 08 FM AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7550 INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0244 RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 1085
UNCLAS BRUSSELS 000871
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM BE
SUBJECT: BELGIANS DISAPPOINTED AT USG DECISION TO NO LONGER
PARTICIPATE IN THE UNHRC
REF: STATE 61034
UNCLAS BRUSSELS 000871
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM BE
SUBJECT: BELGIANS DISAPPOINTED AT USG DECISION TO NO LONGER
PARTICIPATE IN THE UNHRC
REF: STATE 61034
1. (SBU) PolOff met June 9 with Francine Chainaye, MFA
Director for Human Rights Affairs, to discuss points in
reftel. Chainaye said the Belgians know the problem and
understand our discouragement with the Council, but she said
"this is bad news" and asked how we expect the Council to
improve if we remove ourselves from the process. She
extended her empathy with our disappointments, particularly
noting Belgium's frustration when in the March session the
Council did not renew the mandate for an independent expert
for the Congo. Chainaye stated there is a risk in Geneva when
other countries push initiatives the EU and US do not like,
but these countries have more votes on the Council; these
countries can also promote their positions in the UNGA's
Third Committee. She also wondered whether some US people in
Geneva would leave.
2. (SBU) Chainaye reiterated that without the US
participating in Council meetings, it would be more difficult
for the EU to end abuses and make changes. She noted Belgium
is not a member of the HRC but works through the EU and takes
the EU position on the issues. In 2009 Belgium will be a
candidate to become a voting member on the Council and would
appreciate USG support for their candidacy.
FOX
.
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM BE
SUBJECT: BELGIANS DISAPPOINTED AT USG DECISION TO NO LONGER
PARTICIPATE IN THE UNHRC
REF: STATE 61034
1. (SBU) PolOff met June 9 with Francine Chainaye, MFA
Director for Human Rights Affairs, to discuss points in
reftel. Chainaye said the Belgians know the problem and
understand our discouragement with the Council, but she said
"this is bad news" and asked how we expect the Council to
improve if we remove ourselves from the process. She
extended her empathy with our disappointments, particularly
noting Belgium's frustration when in the March session the
Council did not renew the mandate for an independent expert
for the Congo. Chainaye stated there is a risk in Geneva when
other countries push initiatives the EU and US do not like,
but these countries have more votes on the Council; these
countries can also promote their positions in the UNGA's
Third Committee. She also wondered whether some US people in
Geneva would leave.
2. (SBU) Chainaye reiterated that without the US
participating in Council meetings, it would be more difficult
for the EU to end abuses and make changes. She noted Belgium
is not a member of the HRC but works through the EU and takes
the EU position on the issues. In 2009 Belgium will be a
candidate to become a voting member on the Council and would
appreciate USG support for their candidacy.
FOX
.