31 March 2009

THE SENATE Foreign Relations Committee is expected to approve Christopher Hill’s confirmation today, but tabloid rumors notwithstanding, that isn’t the final “confirmation” vote.

THE U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION has adopted a resolution denouncing North Korea’s human rights record and reappointing Vitit Muntarbhorn for another year. The resolution was adopted despite the opposing votes of China and Russia:

The UN Commission on Human Rights yesterday adopted the European Union-led resolution on a 26-6 vote with 15 abstentions at a meeting at the UN office in Geneva, Switzerland. The resolution expressed concern at the “grave, widespread and systematic human rights abuses in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea [North Korea’s formal name], in particular the use of torture and labor camps against political prisoners and repatriated DPRK citizens. [Joongang Ilbo]

I REMEMBER WHEN the South Korean left wanted nothing more than bilateral talks between the U.S. and North Korea. It seemed as if all talks were good talks — even without South Korea — but that was then, and besides, who invited Japan?

BRIBERY ALLEGATIONS AGAINST PARK JIN: Too bad. I like Park and I hope he comes out of this with his name clear.

SHAKING A BLOODY HAND: Obama and Clinton signal a thaw in relations with the Burmese junta thugs who murdered thousands of peaceful protestors so recently. Still under review: a relaxation of sanctions. This new administration is starting to look like a dreary time for the human rights of anyone not plotting to blow up schools and airliners. By the way, guess which country is the leading investor in Burma’s natural gas sector, an industry with a history of committing atrocities to mobilize slave labor? (Lawsuits by victims drove Unocal out of the country.) Hint: it aint Madagascar. One NGO has even filed a complaint with the OECD.