VZCZCXRO5692
PP RUEHMR
DE RUEHMR #0561/01 2831402
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P R 101402Z OCT 07
FM AMEMBASSY MASERU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3386
INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0089
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 0049
RUEHMR/AMEMBASSY MASERU 3785

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MASERU 000561 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAID ENEG SENV TRGY UN PHUM KWMN SOCI PTER UNSC
KDEM, PREL, LE, LT 
SUBJECT: LESOTHO INTERESTED IN WIREC, VAGUELY SUPPORTIVE ON UN 
ISSUES 
 
REF: A) STATE 138428; B) STATE 135255; C) STATE 129919; D) STATE 129764; AND E) STATE 107692 
 
THIS IS A RETRANSMISSION OF A MESSAGE SENT ORIGINALLY ON OCTOBER 
2, 2007. 
 
¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY:  On October 2, Poloff met Lesotho's Ministry 
of Foreign Affairs Europe and Americas Director P.P. Makoaholo 
to discuss the upcoming WIREC conference and various UN issues. 
Makoaholo expressed interest in recruiting a high-level 
delegation for the WIREC conference and was vague but supportive 
on a variety of UN issues including the U.S. condemnation of the 
state use of rape, contributions to the Lebanon Special 
Tribunal, supporting Mali's initiatives in the Community of 
Democracies, and Felice Gaer's nomination for the Committee 
Against Torture.  This "feel good vibe" may not result in a good 
UN voting pattern for Lesotho, but we'll continue to encourage 
GOL support.  END SUMMARY. 
 
----------------- 
Interest in WIREC 
----------------- 
 
¶2. (SBU) After Poloff briefed him on the WIREC conference in 
Washington in March 2008 (REF A), Makosholo stated that he 
believed the GOL would send representatives to the event.  He 
immediately pointed to Minister of Natural Resources Moleleki as 
a possible head of delegation.  He stated that he would hand 
over information on the event to First Secretary Ms. Pulane 
Seshemane (Europe and Americas Desk), who would provide a full 
delegation list to the Embassy by October 15. 
 
--------------- 
Rape Resolution 
--------------- 
 
¶3. (SBU) When pressed on the U.S.-authored UN resolution, 
"Condemning the Use of Rape as an Instrument of State Policy," 
(REF B) Makosholo stated that "on the face of it, it is 
supportable."  He concurred that the use of rape as an 
instrument of state policy was of great concern, citing events 
in Rwanda and Sudan.  He stated that such policies "could not be 
tolerated," and said that he would contact Lesotho's UN 
delegation on the issue. 
 
---------------------------- 
Special Tribunal for Lebanon 
---------------------------- 
 
¶4. (SBU) Regarding contributions to the UN Special Tribunal for 
Lebanon (REF C), Makosholo stated that the GOL had not yet 
received a request for funding from the UN.  He stated that such 
a request would be considered, and pointed out that Lesotho had 
made a modest contribution to the Special Court of Sierra Leone 
and would view the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the same 
light. 
 
------------------------------------- 
Mali and the Community of Democracies 
------------------------------------- 
 
¶5. (SBU) When asked about the Community of Democracies (CD) 
meeting held on the margins of the UN General Assembly on 
October 1 (REF D), Makosholo stated that Lesotho did not attend 
but did plan to be part of the CD Bamako Ministerial, noting the 
nation's attendance at the previous rounds in Seoul and Chile. 
He stated that Mali's suggestion to establish a CD Secretariat 
"sounded reasonable" and would be reviewed by the MFA. 
 
------------------------- 
The Felice Gaer Candidacy 
------------------------- 
 
¶6. (SBU) Regarding the candidacy of Felice Gaer for the United 
Nations Committee Against Torture (REF E), Makosholo stated 
that, given the current high level of cooperation between the 
U.S. and Lesotho, he thought that GOL support was forthcoming. 
"I haven't heard anything specific, but I think that this one is 
taken care of," stated Makosholo.  He noted that he would check 
with the MFA's Legal Division, as that organization keeps tabs 
on UN candidates.  He also confirmed that he had received the 
U.S. Embassy's diplomatic note detailing Ms. Gaer's 
qualifications. 
 
--------- 
Open Ears 
--------- 
 
¶7. (SBU) COMMENT:  Makosholo repeatedly expressed confidence in 
the health of the U.S.-bilateral relationship in the wake of 
Prime Minister Mosisili's July visit to Washington to sign a 
 
MASERU 00000561  002 OF 002 
 
 
compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation.  We'll see if 
this "feel good vibe" results in a good UN voting pattern, but 
the MFA's ears seem open to our suggestions.  END COMMENT. 
NOLAN