Cablegate: Unhrc Resolution: Thais Request More Information

VZCZCXRO3523
OO RUEHCHI
DE RUEHBK #0940 0850925
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 250925Z MAR 08
FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2400
INFO RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA IMMEDIATE 1997
RUEHCHI/AMCONSUL CHIANG MAI 4980

UNCLAS BANGKOK 000940

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR DRL/MLGA KRISTEN MCGEENEY AND IO/RHS AMY
OSTERMEIER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM UNHRC
SUBJECT: UNHRC RESOLUTION: THAIS REQUEST MORE INFORMATION
ABOUT DEFAMATION OF RELIGION

REF: SECSTATE 29095

1. (SBU) On March 25 we conveyed reftel points regarding the
extension of the mandate of the UN Human Rights Council's
(HRC) Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression to
Pornnika Garnjana-Goonchorn in the Thai MFA Social Division.
Pornnika was not familiar with the resolution as initiated by
Canada at the current session of the HRC, or with the
possible amendments that the Organization of Islamic
Conference (OIC) may introduce regarding the concept of
"defamation of religion." Pornnika suggested that it may be
more appropriate to approach her colleagues in Geneva about
this issue. In the meantime she would appreciate more
information about the OIC's amendments and how the amendments
would impact the referenced resolution, which she would also
share with the Thai mission to the HRC.
JOHN

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