Cablegate: Ilc Election: Japan Position Unchanged

VZCZCXYZ0003
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHKO #6329 3051146
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 011146Z NOV 06
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7961
INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 2420

UNCLAS TOKYO 006329

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ODIP ILC UNGA JA
SUBJECT: ILC ELECTION: JAPAN POSITION UNCHANGED

REF: A. STATE 180503
B. TOKYO 4826
C. STATE 137429

Contacted November 1 by Embassy Tokyo Political Officer in
regard to the current Japanese position toward the
International Law Commission candidacy of Michael Matheson,
MOFA International Legal Affairs officer Sugihara reconfirmed
message in ref b. That is, Japan will support U.S. candidate
Michael Matheson if the United States supports the Japanese
candidate, Ambassador Chusei Yamada. Acknowledging the U.S.
policy not to make reciprocal support agreements, Sugihara
said that Japan expects U.S. support for Ambassador Yamada
based on an October 2005 conversation in New York between the
Ambassador and State Department Legal Advisor, which he
called an "informal agreement." The United States can
"informally" be assured of Japan's support for Mr. Matheson,
he stated.
SCHIEFFER

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