ACTION REQUEST: VOTE NO ON ADOPTION OF DURBAN

UNCLAS STATE 119666 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM UN SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: VOTE NO ON ADOPTION OF DURBAN REVIEW OUTCOME DOCUMENT REF: 16 NOVEMBER 2009 DRAFT UN DECISION TEXT 1.(U) If no other member state calls for a vote, the Department instructs USDEL to call a vote and vote no on the decision entitled "Adoption of the Outcome Document of the Durban Review Conference." ¶2. (U) Mission is also instructed to convey an Explanation of Vote (EOV) upon casting the United States' vote based upon the following text: "Mr. Chairman, The United States is deeply committed to ending racism and racial discrimination. This abiding commitment to the fight against all forms of racial discrimination arises from the most painful pages of our history and the most cherished values of our nation. We believe that all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that equal protection of the law and nondiscrimination are fundamental principles of international law. Regrettably however, we must vote against this decision because it endorses the Durban Review Conference Outcome Document, which in turn reaffirms in toto the 2001 Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action singles out one particular conflict and prejudges key issues that can only be resolved in negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. Additionally, the United States strongly disagrees with prohibitions on freedom of expression called for by both the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the Durban Review Conference Outcome Document. For these reasons, Mr. President, my delegation votes no on this decision." CLINTON