BOSNIA RESPONSE: DECEMBER UN VOTE ON "DEFAMATION

UNCLAS SARAJEVO 001340 SIPDIS DRL/IRF FOR MORALES, BADAT; IO/HR FOR OSTERMEIER, NEVILLE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL BK SUBJECT: BOSNIA RESPONSE: DECEMBER UN VOTE ON "DEFAMATION OF RELIGIONS" REF: SECSTATE 122639 1.(U) Per reftel, post demarched Bosnian MFA Head of Department for the UN, Sanja Kenig-Corovic, on December 4 regarding the problematic proposed UNGA resolution on "Defamation of Religions." Post provided talking points per reftel and a copy of the letter to Prime Minister Nikola Spiric signed by Members of Congress (per para 3 of reftel). Post also noted, per para 10 of reftel, that Bosnia had voted "yes" in support of the resolution in the recent Third Committee meeting. ¶2. (U) Responding to talking points, Kenig-Corovic agreed that the "Defamation of Religions" draft resolution was problematic, and advised that her department had sent a memo to FM Sven Alkalaj recommending abstention. She believed that position had broad support within Bosnian MFA, but noted the possibility of a divergent point of view from Bosnia's Mission in New York. She said the final decision would rest with FM Alkalaj personally, but believed an abstention was likely. ¶3. (U) Kenig-Corovic thanked post for the copy of the letter from Members of Congress, and said she believed it would have a positive impact on moving toward abstention. She committed to providing post any further information as a position emerges. ¶4. (U) Post will provide further information as it becomes available. ENGLISH