ECUADOR DEMARCHE RESPONSE: USG CANDIDACY FOR UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

CONFIDENTIAL C O N F I D E N T I A L QUITO 000253 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: TWENTY YEARS TAGS: PREL, PHUM, EC SUBJECT: ECUADOR DEMARCHE RESPONSE: USG CANDIDACY FOR UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REF: STATE 31175 Classified By: DCM Andrew Chritton for Reasons 1.4 (b&d) 1. (C) PolOff delivered reftel points to MFA Multilateral Affairs Director General Lourdes Puma on April 6. Puma said that the GOE had received the USG's diplomatic note, and views the USG's change in policy toward the Human Rights Council as a positive move. However, she noted that the GOE was seeking an exchange of votes and was waiting to hear back from various Western European countries, as Ecuador would have a council candidate in 2010-2012. Puma stated that the GOE,s priority was to support those who supported the GOE. PolOff responded that USG practice was not to trade votes. 2. (C) Puma added that it would be important to strengthen the Council's efforts in the consolidation of mechanisms, in the use of annual reports, and the Council's strategic plan. She said that the Council could assist countries protect human rights. HODGES. HODGES