INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: New Zealand Unable to Co-Sponsor Resolution On

Published: Wed 27 Oct 2004 11:11 PM
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000899
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR EAP/ANP
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM NZ
SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND UNABLE TO CO-SPONSOR RESOLUTION ON
HUMAN RIGHTS IN BELARUS
REF: STATE 230264
1. (SBU) Post delivered reftel resolution to Val Meyer,
Deputy Director of the Human Rights Division, New Zealand
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT.) Meyer
responded that, while there was no objection to the text as
written, the GoNZ would not co-sponsor the resolution. Meyer
cited resource constraints, noting that the GoNZ does not
have accreditation with Belarus, and does not feel it has
adequately followed the domestic human rights situation in
that country. She emphasized that, prior to the UN General
Assembly, the NZ delegation carefully selected priority issue
areas, and is unable to deviate far from these selected
topics.
2. (SBU) She added that NZ's voting on this issue will
depend on the outcome of the formal and informal
negotiations, and the resulting final text. She noted that
the GoNZ prefers to "stand back and watch" negotiations
before committing to a final position, especially on a topic
where they have no predetermined stand.
3. (SBU) Comment: Despite their reluctance to co-sponsor,
Post believes that New Zealand will support the resolution if
no substantial textual changes are made.
Swindells
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