Chilean Response to USG UNGA Third Committee and Goldstone

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000895 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL PTER IS CI KPAL SUBJECT: Chilean Response to USG UNGA Third Committee and Goldstone Report Concerns REF: STATE 109397; STATE 112828 UNGA Third Committee -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Poloff and Canadian Second Secretary Meghan Pelton jointly delivered Ref A demarche on UNGA Third Committee priorities to MFA Human Rights Deputy Director Gerardo Ateaga on November 4. Ateaga made the following observations about Chile's priorities and positions in the Third Committee: --Chile consistently opposes no-action motions because they stifle debate of important issues. --Chile will support country-specific resolutions on Iran, Burma, and DPRK. Chile is particularly concerned about the plight of Bahais in Iran, and would like to see language specifically addressing anti-Bahai discrimination and freedom of religion in the Iran resolution. --Ateaga was unfamiliar with the biennial U.S. elections resolution and would appreciate more information in Spanish about this resolution. --Ateaga was pleased to hear that the U.S. would be working to find common ground on the Rights of the Child resolution and was eager to be supportive of these efforts. --Chile recently shifted its position on the defamation of religions issue. In the past, Chile has abstained on such votes. Last month, Chile voted no on a defamations of religions resolution at the UN Human Rights Council--the first time Chile has cast a no vote on this issue. This change was motivated by concerns that the issue is structured specifically to protect Islam and not other religions. Chile plans to vote against the resolution in the Third Committee. Goldstone Report -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Poloff also delivered Ref B points about the Goldstone Report to Ateaga on November 4. Ateaga agreed with USG concerns that efforts to have the UNGA refer the matter to another body--such as the International Court of Justice or the International Criminal Court--would overstep the Assembly's authority. Chile also opposes encouraging the convocation of parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention. However, Chile is not opposed to language which would endorse or welcome the report, and noted that efforts are underway to find compromise language which is positive about the report but falls short of "fully endorsing" the report. Chile has not yet decided how it will vote on a resolution. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the final text of the resolution and will be a political decision, likely made by MFA Undersecretary Alberto Van Klaveren. Ateaga agreed to share USG concerns with Van Klaveren. SIMONS