ON THE SAME PAGE: HUNGARY'S SUPPORTS KEY US GOALS

UNCLAS BUDAPEST 000666 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/CE JAMIE LAMORE, OI/RHS COLEEN NEVILLE AND AMY OSTERMEIER, DRL/MLGA LYNN SICADE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL UNHRC EU HU SUBJECT: ON THE SAME PAGE: HUNGARY'S SUPPORTS KEY US GOALS FOR 12TH SESSION OF THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REF: SECSTATE 93374 ¶1. On September 10, Poloff delivered the demarche points to Krisztina Kovacs, the International Organizations and Human Rights Desk Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Hungary, by and large, concurs with all of our key goals for this Human Right Council's (HRC) session and solicits our support for resolutions they are sponsoring. -------------- On the Same Page -------------- ¶2. Anticipating that the U.S. will successfully draft an acceptable and balanced text, Kovacs affirmed Hungary's support for the freedom of expression resolution. Kovacs explained that Hungary strongly supported a previous resolution on freedom of expression that was considered during the June 2009 session, subsequently tabled by Canada. ¶3. Kovacs also confirmed Hungary's support for both the continuation of the special procedural mandates for Somalia, Cambodia and Burundi and the resolution to combat discriminatory laws against women sponsored by Columbia and Mexico. ¶4. Hungary shares our concerns about the Russian-sponsored traditional values resolution, fearing that questions on cultural relativism may surface during the debate. The Hungarians plan to request clarification of this resolution. -------------- Hungary's Agenda -------------- ¶5. Hungary's first focus is to shore up 40-50 co-sponsors for its resolution to enlarge the focus of cooperation for all bodies of the United Nations human rights system including the peace keeping elements. Kovacs welcomed U.S. participation in the negotiations next week. Secondly, Hungary seeks to extend the mandate concerning the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. ¶6. On September 17, Hungary will host a side event on their proposed Budapest Center for the International Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities. This proposal is based on a June 2009 feasibility study completed by the Hungarian MFA. Panelists will include the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the President of the Human Rights Counsel, various ambassadors, reporters and experts from all regions. The purpose of the center is to elaborate on the early warning protocol for countries, regions and specific institutions to prevent genocide and mass atrocities. ¶7. Kovacs stated that Hungary welcomes the U.S.'s presence on the HRC because, "It is good for like-minded countries to have support from inside of the Council." LEVINE