It appears likely, however, to leave the rights commission without its most enthusiastic supporter of resolutions condemning the rights records of countries such as China. Some diplomats said that Mr. Bush's opposition to the Kyoto treaty on climate change, and his failure to consult with allies before announcing that opposition, contributed to the vote, as did his calls for a missile defense system. It's been a cumulative effect of U.S. positions on several important human rights issues over years. France, Austria and Sweden were selected for the three open seats on the commission allocated to Western countries. The United States placed fourth.
Voting is secret.
Opposition to the U.S. seat on the commission had been brewing for some time, however. Austria and Sweden had been asked by the Netherlands, on behalf of the United States, to withdraw their candidacies and declined, a UN source said. Ambassador Nordstrom would not confirm that report. The commission, with 53 members, on April 27 completed its annual six-week session in Geneva to review human rights violations around the world. It was established in 1947, and the United States, Russia and India had served on the commission since then.