UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -- DISCUSSING RELIGIOUS

UNCLAS JAKARTA 002105 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, IO/RHS FOR KESHAP NSC FOR D. WALTON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KISL EDRC ID SUBJECT: UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -- DISCUSSING RELIGIOUS DEFAMATION WITH GOI REF: A. JAKARTA 01471 ¶B. STATE 128320 ¶1. (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified -- Please handle accordingly. ¶2. (SBU) SUMMARY: On December 22, IO/HRS Director Keshap held a constructive meeting with Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General for Multi-lateral Affairs Ambassador Rezlan Ishar Jenie to explore ways to soften OIC approaches on defamation of Islam in the UN. Jenie made it clear that he appreciated the USG's collaborative approach in the UNHRC as evidenced by Indonesia's support and cosponsorship of the Freedom of Expression Resolution in September. Although Jenie did not respond directly on the subject of defamation, he greatly appreciated that the proposal was delivered in person in Jakarta by Keshap and promised to study it carefully. Jenie urged U.S. support for the GOI's candidacy for a UNHRC seat in 2011. END SUMMARY. PRAISE FOR THE USG'S COLLABORATIVE APPROACH ¶3. (SBU) Ambassador Jenie expressed his appreciation for the USG's securing of consensus at the UNHRC on the Freedom of Expression resolution. He emphasized that the GOI welcomed the inclusion of OIC concerns in the resolution. He regarded the passage of this resolution as a first step in bridging the gap between the OIC and the West. Jenie stated that the U.S. rejoining the UNHRC was a constructive step in ameliorating the divisiveness in the UNHRC. He noted that Indonesia hoped to return to the UNHRC in 2011 and was looking to the U.S. to support its bid. DEFAMATION ISSUE ¶4. (SBU) After Keshap's presentation of USG views on the topic and presentation of a draft action plan, Ambassador Jenie said the defamation issue was important to the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC),and any change in course on the OIC's approach vis-a-vis this issue would need to be approved by all 57 members. (Note: Indonesia was a crucial player in the September UNHRC negotiations on freedom of expression. Its constructive interventions made it clear that there was no unified OIC position; Indonesia negotiated on a national basis.) Jenie noted that Indonesia's support of the current defamation resolution text is not due to ideological constraints, but is focused solely on the objective of the resolution--promoting respect for religion and ensuring equal treatment for Muslim minority populations. USG PROPOSED PLAN OF ACTION ¶5. (SBU) Ambassador Jenie and Director for Human Rights Primanto Hendrasmoro assured Keshap that they would carefully review the action plan. The GOI would continue to discuss the possibility of a March initiative on defamation with Embassy Jakarta, Mission Geneva, and Washington. Jenie stated that President Yudhoyono was considering attending the meeting as was Foreign Minister Natalegawa. Jenie commented that high-level U.S. participation would further underscore the importance that the U.S. attached to defamation. PROPOSED NEXT STEPS ¶6. (SBU) Mission concurs with IO/HR that securing Indonesia as a vocal ally on a new initiative will be critical to moderating the strident voices in the OIC, especially from some Arab states and Pakistan. Mission will continue to underscore to the GOI the importance that we attach to the defamation issue. We encourage Washington to continue to send visitors to Jakarta to further emphasize to GOI officials that moving forward on the defamation issue is a key priority for the USG in the UNHRC. In addiiton, we urge Washington to consider supporting Indonesia's bid to rejoin the UNHRC in 2011. OSIUS