Cablegate: Lesotho's Foreign Minister Addresses Nam Unga Resolution,

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R 271143Z OCT 06
FM AMEMBASSY MASERU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2382
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SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR AF/S

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNGA LE IS PHUM PREL PTER LS
SUBJECT: LESOTHO'S FOREIGN MINISTER ADDRESSES NAM UNGA RESOLUTION,
DETAINEE ISSUES

REF: a) STATE 176793; b) STATE 178020

1. On October 26, Ambassador Perry (accompanied by POLOFF
Smith, notetaker) delivered a demarche (Reftel A) on the
Non-Aligned Movement's draft resolution "Consequences of the
Israeli Invasion on the Human Rights Situation in Lebanon" to
Lesotho's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Monyane Moleleki.
Minister Moleleki responded that he agreed with U.S. concerns
about the unbalanced nature of the resolution's condemnation of
Israel without mentioning Hezbollah, and stated that he would
discuss the issue with Lesotho's Permanent Representative to the
UN in New York. He declined to decisively state which way
Lesotho would vote on the issue, citing the influence of "peer
pressure." However, calling members of Hezbollah "thugs", he
strongly criticized its practices as leading to the unnecessary
deaths of Lebanese civilians. The Ambassador stressed the
importance of member states' ability to act independently and
urged the GOL not to support the resolution.

2. Ambassador took the opportunity to brief the FOMIN on
detainee issues (Reftel B). Minister Moleleki stated that, to
his chagrin, the United States was an easier target for
criticism than the "nefarious" terrorist organizations it
struggles against due to the fact that the U.S. is a well
functioning state.

3. Comment: A full response from the GOL covering its voting
position is not expected right away. The Minister indicated
that one or two of the GOL's New York staff would be reviewing
this matter, but did not have a specific timeframe for decision.
End Comment.

PERRY

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