HMG "DELIGHTED" USG WILL SEEK UNHRC SEAT

UNCLAS LONDON 000801 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR OSTERMEIER/PATEL IN IO/RHS AND SICADE IN DRL/MLGA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL UK SUBJECT: HMG "DELIGHTED" USG WILL SEEK UNHRC SEAT REF: SECSTATE 31175 ¶1. (U) Carmel Power, Deputy Head of the Human Rights, Democracy and Governance Group at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office declared that HMG is "delighted" that the USG has decided to seek a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). As a consequence of the P-5 agreement, if for no other reason, HMG will support the USG's candidacy. Power said that HMG has as its overriding goal, the transformation of the UNHRC into an effective organ for improvements in human rights throughout the world. Given that, HMG believes that the USG, which HMG has always said should be an active member of the UNHRC "because of our shared goals for improved human rights throughout the world," has in making this decision, gone a long way towards strengthening the UNHRC. Power said the HMG looks forward to working with the USG on "our shared goals." Visit London's Classified Website: http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Unit ed_Kingdom LEBARON