Cablegate: Demarche On Resolutions On Iran, Burma, Dprk

VZCZCXYZ0000
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHML #2530 3120824
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 070824Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2364
INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0281

UNCLAS MANILA 002530

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL RP UN
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON RESOLUTIONS ON IRAN, BURMA, DPRK

REF: STATE 117889

1. Post discussed reftel points with UN and International
Organizations Executive Director Grace Princesa of the
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), regarding the U.S.
position that no-action resolutions on Iran, Burma, and North
Korea at the U.N. present serious problems for the UNGA
because they preclude discussion and action on human rights
issues. We conveyed to Director Princesa the USG request
that the Philippines vote against no-action resolutions where
possible and to abstain or be absent if they could not vote
against the resolutions.

2. Although the Philippines does not normally support
country-specific resolutions, Princesa said she would engage
with senior DFA counterparts to ensure the U.S. concerns
received careful consideration. She also told us she would
forward the information to DFA Political, Security, and Legal
Matters Director Leah Basinang-Ruiz, who is currently in New
York.

KENNEY

© Scoop Media