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