GERMANY WILL RUN ONLY IN 2012 FOR UN HUMAN RIGHTS

C O N F I D E N T I A L BERLIN 001545 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/04/2019 TAGS: PHUM PREL KDEM GM SUBJECT: GERMANY WILL RUN ONLY IN 2012 FOR UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REF: STATE 120835 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor George Glass for reasons 1.4 (b,d). ¶1. (C) MFA Human Rights Department deputy Martin Huth told Poloff December 4 in response to reftel message that Germany will not run for UN Human Rights Council membership until the term 2012-2015, due mainly to Germany's need to focus its resources on its upcoming bid for non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council. Huth pointed out that Germany served on the Council from 2005-2009. He noted that Germany wanted to set an example by not seeking a second terms to give other countries the chance for UNHRC membership. Huth thanked Poloff, in any case, for USG interest in German membership on the UNHRC. ¶2. (C) Post assesses that Germany would be a strong ally to the U.S. on the UNHRC when it runs in 2012. Germany has displayed a strong commitment to human rights in general. Although it strives to follow EU consensus, Germany has also broken with the EU when it has differing views. For example, Germany voted against the UNGA resolution on the Goldstone Report. It has also supported our position on various issues within the UNHRC, such as opposing "no action" motions. Germany has expressed similar concerns over the human rights situation in Iran, Burma and North Korea. In addition, Germany has agreed with the U.S. on the need to reduce the number of UN resolutions that are critical of Israel. MURPHY