AUSTRALIA WELCOMES U.S. UNHRC PARTICIPATION; NO

UNCLAS CANBERRA 000206 SIPDIS STATE FOR IO/RHS, DRL/MLGA AND EAP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL AS SUBJECT: AUSTRALIA WELCOMES U.S. UNHRC PARTICIPATION; NO DECISION YET ON DURBAN REVCON REF: A. STATE 18282 ¶B. CANBERRA 165 AND PREVIOUS ¶1. Although Ref A arrived too late on Friday, February 27, to pass the points before the U.S. public announcement March 1, we delivered the message at opening of business on Monday, March 2, to Craig Maclachlan, Assistant Secretary for International Organisations, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. ¶2. Maclachlan welcomed the U.S. announcement and conveyed GOA appreciation for the close cooperation on Durban between Australian Ambassador Millar and Charge Storella in Geneva. He stressed the GOA shares many of the United States concerns over the process. ¶3. Maclachlan informed us the GOA has not yet taken a decision on what actions it would take on the Durban Review Conference. DFAT will consult with Foreign Minister Smith on this topic this week, with a possible decision as early as next week. CLUNE