Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KUALALUMPUR293
2009-04-20 08:15:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Cable title:
UNHRC DEMARCHE: MALAYSIA WELCOMES U.S. ENGAGEMENT,
how-toVZCZCXRO3872 OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM RUEHNH DE RUEHKL #0293 1100815 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 200815Z APR 09 FM AMEMBASSY KUALA LUMPUR TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2617 INFO RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 1690 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 1108
C O N F I D E N T I A L KUALA LUMPUR 000293
SIPDIS
FOR EAP/MTS, IO/RHS, DRL/MLGA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/20/2014
TAGS: PHUM PREL UN MY
SUBJECT: UNHRC DEMARCHE: MALAYSIA WELCOMES U.S. ENGAGEMENT,
NONCOMMITTAL ON CANDIDACY
REF: STATE 36629
Classified By: Political Counselor Mark D. Clark, reasons 1.4, b and d.
C O N F I D E N T I A L KUALA LUMPUR 000293
SIPDIS
FOR EAP/MTS, IO/RHS, DRL/MLGA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/20/2014
TAGS: PHUM PREL UN MY
SUBJECT: UNHRC DEMARCHE: MALAYSIA WELCOMES U.S. ENGAGEMENT,
NONCOMMITTAL ON CANDIDACY
REF: STATE 36629
Classified By: Political Counselor Mark D. Clark, reasons 1.4, b and d.
1. (C) The Embassy conveyed reftel diplomatic note on April
15 formally announcing the U.S. candidacy for the UN Human
Rights Council (UNHRC) and seeking Malaysia's support.
Polcouns spoke with Foreign Ministry Under Secretary
(Multilateral Political Affairs) Ganeson Sivagurunathan on
April 15. Ganeson stated that Malaysia would view U.S.
engagement in the HRC as a positive change, but he did not
elaborate on prospects for supporting the U.S. candidacy.
2. (C) During the Ambassador's April 19 dinner in honor of
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Polcouns raised the issue with Foreign
Ministry Secretary General Rastam Mohd Isa in the context of
renewed U.S. international engagement. Rastam confirmed he
had read the U.S. diplomatic note and supporting materials,
and he acknowledged the U.S. request for support. Rastam
remarked that he viewed the Obama Administration as moving
very quickly and positively with a new foreign policy agenda.
Malaysia welcomed U.S. engagement with the UNHRC. In
response to Polcouns' specific question, Rastam remained
noncommittal on supporting the U.S. election to the Council,
but said that if the U.S. joins, he would hope for increased
coordination between the U.S. and Malaysia on human rights
issues.
KEITH
SIPDIS
FOR EAP/MTS, IO/RHS, DRL/MLGA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/20/2014
TAGS: PHUM PREL UN MY
SUBJECT: UNHRC DEMARCHE: MALAYSIA WELCOMES U.S. ENGAGEMENT,
NONCOMMITTAL ON CANDIDACY
REF: STATE 36629
Classified By: Political Counselor Mark D. Clark, reasons 1.4, b and d.
1. (C) The Embassy conveyed reftel diplomatic note on April
15 formally announcing the U.S. candidacy for the UN Human
Rights Council (UNHRC) and seeking Malaysia's support.
Polcouns spoke with Foreign Ministry Under Secretary
(Multilateral Political Affairs) Ganeson Sivagurunathan on
April 15. Ganeson stated that Malaysia would view U.S.
engagement in the HRC as a positive change, but he did not
elaborate on prospects for supporting the U.S. candidacy.
2. (C) During the Ambassador's April 19 dinner in honor of
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Polcouns raised the issue with Foreign
Ministry Secretary General Rastam Mohd Isa in the context of
renewed U.S. international engagement. Rastam confirmed he
had read the U.S. diplomatic note and supporting materials,
and he acknowledged the U.S. request for support. Rastam
remarked that he viewed the Obama Administration as moving
very quickly and positively with a new foreign policy agenda.
Malaysia welcomed U.S. engagement with the UNHRC. In
response to Polcouns' specific question, Rastam remained
noncommittal on supporting the U.S. election to the Council,
but said that if the U.S. joins, he would hope for increased
coordination between the U.S. and Malaysia on human rights
issues.
KEITH