CZECHS PLEASED WITH USG PRESENCE AT UNHRC AND

UNCLAS PRAGUE 000130 SIPDIS IO/RHS FOR AOSTERMEIER AND GPATEL, EUR/CE FOR ATRATENSEK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL EZ PHUM SUBJECT: CZECHS PLEASED WITH USG PRESENCE AT UNHRC AND SHARE CONCERNS FOR DURBAN REVIEW CONFERENCE; REF: STATE 18282 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Emboff provided the reftel points to Czech MFA Human Rights and Transition Policy Director Gabriela Dlouha and UN Department Director Jan Michal on February 27. Dlouha noted that our presence at UNHRC proceedings is most welcome news and inquired whether we planned to engage in any lobbying there as well. On the topic of the draft outcome document for the Durban Review Conference, Dlouha stated the EU shares many of our concerns, with one exception. End Summary. -------------- Durban Review Conference -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On March 2, Dlouha informed emboff that the EU shares many of our concerns about the draft outcome document for the April Durban Review Conference. She stated that like the U.S., the EU would like to see a shortened text without references to any one country or conflict, and without reference to "defamation of religion" and which does not go further that the Durban Declaration and Program of Action (DDPA) on the issue of reparations for slavery. According to Dlouha, where we differ from the EU is on the point of a "reaffirmation of all elements of the 2001 Durban Declaration and Program of Action (DDPA)." As all of the EU member states (just 15 at that point in 2001) signed the DDPA, the EU will not object to reaffirming all elements of the 2001 DDPA. Dlouha also noted that at this stage some EU member states are pressing harder than others to improve the document. While the Czech Republic would welcome an alternative text, they think alternatives are unlikely to emerge at least until the Russian facilitator produces the next version of consolidated suggestions. -------------- UN Human Rights Council -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Dlouha informed emboff that the Czechs consider our willingness to be present at the UNHRC proceedings "very good news" as the Czechs hope our presence may influence the course of discussions at the UNHRC. Dlouha noted that the Czechs, with EU support, will like propose renewing country specific mandates related to North Korea and Burma and are considering initiating one related to Congo. Dlouha noted that it would be helpful for the EU to know whether the U.S. plans to actively engage in lobbying on issues of priority interest to the USG. If the US is considering engaging in lobbying, she noted that the EU would be particularly interested in knowing our priority interests there. Thompson-Jones