DANISH VIEWS ON UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE PRIORITIES

C O N F I D E N T I A L COPENHAGEN 000483 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/10/2018 TAGS: PHUM PREL UNGA DA SUBJECT: DANISH VIEWS ON UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE PRIORITIES REF: SECSTATE 95334 Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor Bill Mozdzierz, reasons 1.4b,d ¶1. (C) Poloff delivered reftel demarche on USG human rights priorities for the 2008 UN General Assembly Third Committee to Emil Paulsen of the Danish MFA Human Rights Department. Paulsen confirmed EU opposition to no-action motions. He also confirmed EU plans to table resolutions on Burma and the DPRK, and did not foresee major problems. Additionally, Paulsen said Denmark intends to present a resolution on torture in the Third Committee, and anticipates US support, but will pursue this in meetings in Washington September 25. Paulsen noted that Denmark has not consolidated its position on the other issues in the reftel demarche. ¶2. (C) In principle, Denmark supports an Iran resolution, Paulsen said, but expressed concern over negative reaction by African countries, which might jeopardize other EU resolutions. Proposed U.S. resolutions on Zimbabwe and/or Sudan also run the risk of lack of support. He stated that Denmark is unwilling to "swap" resolutions, such as the EU Religious Intolerance Resolution, for one on Zimbabwe or Sudan. Denmark opposes the resolution on "defamation of religions," and agrees that the EU Religious Intolerance Resolution, to be presented in Third Committee, could serve as a useful counterweight. Paulsen was cautious on whether a Freedom of Expression resolution could be successful at this time, noting that other EU partners might be reluctant to commit. ¶3. (C) Paulsen took note of our proposal on prisoners of conscience, but reported that there is not yet a common position in the EU. He understood the U.S. reluctance to pursue a Belarus resolution, but suggested it should not be ruled out completely in light of the upcoming elections in the country. CAIN