VZCZCXYZ0007
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DE RUEHC #1454 3012249
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O R 282228Z OCT 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE IMMEDIATE 0000
INFO RUEHEK/AMEMBASSY BISHKEK 0000

UNCLAS STATE 111454 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PHUM PREL KDEM OSCE
SUBJECT: OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL:  RESPONSE TO REPORT OF 
ODIHR DIRECTOR LENARCIC 
 
¶1. (U) Post is authorized to present the following statement 
at the Permanent Council meeting in Vienna on October 29. 
 
Begin text: 
 
Madam Chair, 
 
We would like to thank you, Ambassador Lenarcic, for your 
comprehensive statement.  The United States strongly supports 
ODIHR, which has earned its place as the key institution in 
the OSCE's efforts to promote democratic development, human 
rights and free and fair elections, and of course, to assist 
participating States in meeting their human dimension 
commitments. 
 
First, we share your assessment as to the success of the 
Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM) in Warsaw. 
There are, of course, other times during the year when human 
rights issues should be discussed in Vienna, but the HDIM 
provides a unique opportunity to look at these issues 
comprehensively. 
 
The HDIM also provides an important opportunity for civil 
society to join us at the table and be heard.  Human rights 
groups play an important role at the implementation meetings 
) we count on them for their candid assessments.  In some 
cases, this meeting represents the only time they are given a 
hearing by their own governments. 
 
We commend ODIHR and the Greek Chairmanship for ensuring NGO 
access to and participation in the HDIM.  We look forward to 
continued high standards of openness and access at the 
upcoming Ministerial and at next year's human dimension 
meetings. 
 
We are concerned about reports that two NGO representatives 
from Kyrgyzstan experienced harassment after leaving Warsaw, 
in what could be acts of retribution for the views they 
expressed at the HDIM.  We believe all participating States 
should take whatever measures are necessary to ensure that 
individuals may participate in the HDIM safely. 
 
There are a number of areas where we believe the OSCE could 
usefully focus additional attention next year. First, we 
would welcome the possibility of supplemental human dimension 
meeting on national minorities and a high-level meeting on 
anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance.  Other issues 
that we believe deserve additional attention, either in the 
form of a SHDM or as one-day topics at an implementation 
review meeting, include issues related to the Roma, the media 
and freedom of expression, the role of civil society in 
promoting human rights, and freedom of religion. 
 
Although SHDMs are, as a rule, held in Vienna, we note that 
many ad hoc or extraordinary human dimension meetings have 
been successfully held outside Vienna.  We believe more 
consideration should be given to holding human dimension 
meetings in diverse locations, to make the work of the OSCE 
accessible to a larger community of people. 
 
With respect to the organization of this year's HDIM, we 
regret that the time available in many sessions was 
inadequate for the number of people who wished to speak. 
Perhaps next year those topics could be allotted more than 
one session. The HDIM allows us to reflect on our progress, 
or in some instances, areas which need more progress, 
regarding our human dimension commitments over the year.  It 
is an opportunity to learn from each other, from each other's 
best practices, and from subject matter experts in the field. 
 Perhaps even more importantly and substantively, it provides 
us an opportunity to hear from NGOs and civil society 
representatives directly affected by our action or inaction. 
 
As you aptly noted, it is up to the participating States to 
review existing modalities of the HDIM, and improvements can 
undoubtedly be made.  But my government sees no need to 
drastically change the modalities.  Some have recommended 
shortening the event and others have advocated limiting the 
attendance of NGOs and civil society advocates at the event. 
My government strongly opposes limiting the participation of 
NGOs at the HDIM.  The participation of NGOs on an equal 
footing with government officials is what makes the HDIM such 
a valuable forum. 
 
Mr. Ambassador, 
 
We wish to thank you for presenting your detailed response to 
the question of geographical coverage of election monitoring 
activities.  We believe the list stands by itself in showing 
the diversity in ODIHR's coverage and are confident this 
trend will continue in 2010. 
 
Likewise, noting that representatives from 52 of the 56 
participating States and 3 Partners for Co-operation have 
participated in election monitoring activities adequately 
demonstrates the worthwhile emphasis ODIHR has placed on 
diversity. 
 
ODIHR's well-deserved reputation for election monitoring is 
directly attributable to its well-known, objective criteria 
and procedures for election observation.  The United States 
has been, and will continue to be, outspoken in protecting 
ODIHR from political interference. 
 
In conclusion, the United States retains full confidence in 
the vital work performed by ODIHR and continues to support 
unequivocally its current leadership and direction. 
 
Thank you Madam Chair. 
CLINTON