"VOTING INSTRUCTION FOR THE RESOLUTION"

UNCLAS STATE 124689

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM UNAUS AORC
SUBJECT: "VOTING INSTRUCTION FOR THE RESOLUTION"


1. The Department instructs USDEL to join consensus on the
resolution entitled "Promotion of interreligious and
intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for
peace."


2. USDEL is further instructed to deliver the following
EOP:

Mr. Chairman,

As in past years, the text before us contains many worthwhile
elements. It promotes respect among people with different
cultural and religious backgrounds and affirms that mutual
understanding and dialogue are crucial for achieving a true
and lasting peace.

The United States is committed to building a more peaceful
world and encourages individuals from different religious and
cultural communities to engage in practical action, such as
interfaith service, to help foster respect and encourage
reconciliation. We remain committed to expanding programs
that promote reconciliation between religious groups and
actively partner with other governments and with civil
society actors around the world to forge new bonds among
people of all religions and beliefs. In addition, we
acknowledge that faith is a powerful and mobilizing force,
and faith leaders play a critical role in alleviating the
most pressing global challenges. We believe that interfaith
efforts can be among the best protections against intolerance
and hatred.

In promoting diversity and dialogue, we are guided by the
Universal Declaration on Human Rights which clearly states,
&Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and
expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions
without interference and to seek, receive and impart
information and ideas through any media and regardless of
frontiers.8 To that end, we believe that restricting
peaceful expression of opinion or belief does not build
respect or tolerance. Even with the best intentions,
restrictions on speech can not be evenly implemented without
some groups feeling discriminated against. The United States
believes unequivocally that the freedoms of religion and
expression are precisely the antidote that is needed to
combat intolerance.

For these reasons the resolution before us must not in any
way be read to restrict peaceful expression of opinion or
belief. The United States firmly believes in the right of
all people to think and express themselves freely and
peacefully.

UN resolutions must not be misused to justify imprisonment,
torture, and even death sentences for those that express
views that are dissident or critical of the government in
power. We ask all members of this body to hold accountable
those governments that seek to stain the United Nations by
associating it with their own acts of intolerance and
brutality. Members of society must be able to engage in the
open exchange of views without fear of recrimination if we
are to develop the understanding and trust necessary to get
along and live peaceably with one other.
Thank you.
CLINTON