ALGERIAN INVITATION TO HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL RETREAT

UNCLAS ALGIERS 000037 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL KDEM UNHRC AG SUBJECT: ALGERIAN INVITATION TO HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL RETREAT ¶1. Algerian MFA Director General for Political Affairs and International Security Benchaa Dani briefed ambassadors January 10 on GOA plans to hold a "retreat" in Algiers February 19 - 21 for informal consultations in the framework of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group on the work and functioning of the Human Rights Council (HRC), established by HRC resolution 12/1. The Working Group will have two five-day meetings after the 14th session of the HRC in which to draw its final conclusions on the effectiveness of the HRC's work and recommend possible revisions to the Council's statutes. Dani circulated a diplomatic note to ambassadors of HRC countries resident in Algiers as well as copies of notes already passed to permanent missions in Geneva presenting the "retreat" as an opportunity to discuss informally and transparently matters for the Working Group's consideration. ¶2. The MFA's note, dated January 7, 2010, stated that the GOA has already extended personal invitations to perm reps of HRC member states in Geneva with which the GOA maintains diplomatic relations. According to the GOA, the HRC president responded favorably to this invitation. In a note addressed to permanent missions to the UN in Geneva, dated December 8, 2009, the GOA pledged to charter an aircraft, free of charge, to bring participants to Algiers for the retreat. During his briefing, Dani informed ambassadors that more information on lodging and logistics would be available soon. He urged governments to participate and asked that they respond to the GOA's invitation as soon as possible. Post will provide a scanned copy of the note distributed to NEA/MAG for onward transmission to relevant offices in IO. PEARCE