Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08TALLINN323
2008-09-18 08:19:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Tallinn
Cable title:
ESTONIA ON UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE HUMAN RIGHTS
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHTL #0323 2620819 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 180819Z SEP 08 FM AMEMBASSY TALLINN TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0812 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0375 INFO RUEHRA/AMEMBASSY RIGA 2996 RUEHVL/AMEMBASSY VILNIUS 6739
C O N F I D E N T I A L TALLINN 000323
DEPT FOR EUR/NB JPETERSON
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958 DECL: 09/17/2018
TAGS: PGOV UNGA PHUM EN
SUBJECT: ESTONIA ON UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE HUMAN RIGHTS
PRIORITIES
Classified by: DCM Karen Decker for reasons 1.4 (b) & (d)
REF: STATE 95334
C O N F I D E N T I A L TALLINN 000323
DEPT FOR EUR/NB JPETERSON
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958 DECL: 09/17/2018
TAGS: PGOV UNGA PHUM EN
SUBJECT: ESTONIA ON UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE HUMAN RIGHTS
PRIORITIES
Classified by: DCM Karen Decker for reasons 1.4 (b) & (d)
REF: STATE 95334
1. (SBU) Poloff discussed points in reftel with Tiina
Krevald, UN Desk Officer at the Estonian MFA. According to
Krevald, Estonia's four priority initiatives for the UNGA
Third Committee, which they share with the EU, are the
abolishment of the death penalty, a resolution on the
defamation of religion, and statements supporting the
rights of the child and sexual orientation/gender identity.
In particular, Krevald classified the death penalty as a
"burning" issue.
2. (C) According to Krevald, in the past, Estonia has
supported and co-lobbied the Canadian resolution on Iran
and plans to do so again this year. Estonia is very aware
that one vote kept the Iran resolution from passing last
year and as a result, the Government of Estonia (GOE) is
concerned with the effect of no-action motions and will do
their best to avoid them this year. As for resolutions on
Burma and DPRK, Estonia will support the EU common position
currently being considered in the EU working group on Human
Rights in Brussels. On Zimbabwe, Estonia shares the EU
view of waiting to see how events unfold in the country
before taking a final decision. Krevald also stated that
the GOE is waiting to see a U.S. draft on the proposed
Freedom of Expression resolution before forming an opinion
on it.
3. (C) With respect to the Declaration on Prisoners of
Conscience, Krevald commented that after discussions with
other Estonian missions in Geneva and New York, Estonia can
say in principle that they will do their best in supporting
the U.S. and the Declaration. At the same time, they have
to be realistic about limited staff in New York and Geneva,
as well as their overall representation in the capitals of
the EU Member States, which is quite "reserved."
PHILLIPS
DEPT FOR EUR/NB JPETERSON
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958 DECL: 09/17/2018
TAGS: PGOV UNGA PHUM EN
SUBJECT: ESTONIA ON UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE HUMAN RIGHTS
PRIORITIES
Classified by: DCM Karen Decker for reasons 1.4 (b) & (d)
REF: STATE 95334
1. (SBU) Poloff discussed points in reftel with Tiina
Krevald, UN Desk Officer at the Estonian MFA. According to
Krevald, Estonia's four priority initiatives for the UNGA
Third Committee, which they share with the EU, are the
abolishment of the death penalty, a resolution on the
defamation of religion, and statements supporting the
rights of the child and sexual orientation/gender identity.
In particular, Krevald classified the death penalty as a
"burning" issue.
2. (C) According to Krevald, in the past, Estonia has
supported and co-lobbied the Canadian resolution on Iran
and plans to do so again this year. Estonia is very aware
that one vote kept the Iran resolution from passing last
year and as a result, the Government of Estonia (GOE) is
concerned with the effect of no-action motions and will do
their best to avoid them this year. As for resolutions on
Burma and DPRK, Estonia will support the EU common position
currently being considered in the EU working group on Human
Rights in Brussels. On Zimbabwe, Estonia shares the EU
view of waiting to see how events unfold in the country
before taking a final decision. Krevald also stated that
the GOE is waiting to see a U.S. draft on the proposed
Freedom of Expression resolution before forming an opinion
on it.
3. (C) With respect to the Declaration on Prisoners of
Conscience, Krevald commented that after discussions with
other Estonian missions in Geneva and New York, Estonia can
say in principle that they will do their best in supporting
the U.S. and the Declaration. At the same time, they have
to be realistic about limited staff in New York and Geneva,
as well as their overall representation in the capitals of
the EU Member States, which is quite "reserved."
PHILLIPS