THE Government will make diplomatic moves to secure the post of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for the President, Mrs Robinson, following yesterday's Cabinet decision to formally nominate her for the position. The Government also agreed to actively support her candidature "in every possible way".
The Department of Foreign Affairs will consult envoys accredited to the United Nations in Geneva and at UN headquarters in New York, as part of its campaign. A meeting of the Commission for Human Rights is currently taking place in Geneva.
The Taoiseach and the Tanaiste will use their political contacts to lobby for Mrs Robinson. Mr Bruton has already informed the US Vice President, Mr Al Gore, of the position.
Government sources believe that it will be a matter of weeks before a full assessment can be made of other candidates pursuing the high commissionership. A decision on the successful candidate will not be made formally until the UN General Assembly meets in September.
