US embassy cable - 05MASERU578

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Identifier:	05MASERU578
Wikileaks:	View 05MASERU578 at Wikileaks.org
Origin:	Embassy Maseru
Created:	2005-11-09 07:42:00
Classification:	UNCLASSIFIED
Tags:	PHUM PREL LT UNHCR
Redacted:	This cable was not redacted by Wikileaks.

UNCLAS MASERU 000578 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PHUM, PREL, LT, UNHCR 
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON UN THIRD COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS 
 
REF: STATE 204646 
 
1. On November 8 CAI met with MFA Acting Principal Secretary 
Thabang Lekhela to deliver and discuss talking points in ref. 
Pitso Makosholo, Chief, Division of Europe and the Americas, 
also attended. 
 
2. Charge prefaced his presentation of the points by noting 
Lesotho's participation in the AU Peer Review Mechanism.   A 
country that took the initiative for a formal critique by AU 
members clearly values open and frank discussions on a wide 
range of subjects, including human rights.  Considering this, it 
was hoped that Lesotho would support the subject resolutions. 
 
3. Lekhela stressed the importance Lesotho attaches to human 
rights issues.  The country's tendency is to not oppose such 
resolutions or support no-action votes at the UN.   It was 
indeed regrettable, the PS added, that governments such as those 
which are the subjects of the resolutions, exist in the 
twenty-first century.  This would be the backdrop against which 
the GOL would develop its position.   That being said, MFA would 
have to consult with its missions in Geneva and New York, and 
the Ministry of Justice to before a final decision is made 
regarding Lesotho's votes. 
 
ALBRECHT