ARGENTINA'S REACTION TO USG DISENGAGEMENT AT THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUENOS AIRES 000810 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DRL FOR LYNN SICADE AND AMY OSTERMEIER E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/11/2028 TAGS: PREL PHUM UNHRC UNGA AR SUBJECT: ARGENTINA'S REACTION TO USG DISENGAGEMENT AT THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REF: (A) STATE 61034 (B) BUENOS AIRES 0598 (C) STATE 46477 (D) BUENOS AIRES 0515 Classified By: DCM Tom Kelly for reasons 1.4 (b) & (d). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see para 4. ¶2. (C) Poloff delivered ref A points on June 10 to MFA Director for Human Rights Minister Silvia Fernandez. She expressed "shock" and "disappointment" at the USG's decision to disengage from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), especially as Argentina takes a seat on the Council this year. She said that the GOA had hoped to work very closely with the United States on a number of initiatives to strengthen the Council, adding that it would now be very difficult for countries like Argentina and the EU to push for reform without the United States. She asked rhetorically, "Why couldn't the USG have waited another six months?" as the new members on the Council could have worked to address many of the concerns the USG and other have with the UNHRC. She asked for more information on how the USG operationally plans to raise human rights issues at the UNGA and in the Third Committee. Fernandez indicated that she would keep post apprised of GOA initiatives to strengthen the Council. ¶3. (C) Comment: Post notes that, as recently as May 6, emboffs were advising (per ref C instructions) the MFA of USG desire to work closely with the GOA on important human rights issues worldwide if Argentina was elected to the UNHRC. Per ref C, we had also noted Washington's belief that the only way for the Council to change direction and to begin to addressthe most pressing human rights problems facing the international community is for strong democracies to assume as many seats as possible in this year's election. The Argentine MFA may now be wondering if the USG's disengagement is due to Washington disappointment with the countries newly elected to the Council. ¶4. (SBU) Action request: Post would appreciate Department guidance on how the USG intends to raise human rights issues at the UNGA and the UNGA Third Committee so that we might share this information with the MFA. Also please advise whether there will be any public, explicit announcement of USG disengagement. WAYNE