VZCZCXRO8526
OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM
DE RUEHML #0645 0580841
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O 270841Z FEB 07
FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5442
INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS IMMEDIATE
RUEHRL/AMEMBASSY BERLIN IMMEDIATE 0391
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RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON IMMEDIATE 3438
RUEHMD/AMEMBASSY MADRID IMMEDIATE 0484
RUEHNY/AMEMBASSY OSLO IMMEDIATE 0229
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RUEHSM/AMEMBASSY STOCKHOLM IMMEDIATE 0125
RUEHTC/AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE IMMEDIATE 0702
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UNCLAS MANILA 000645
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM EAID RP GM FI UK SP IT NO SW NL
SUBJECT: PHILIPPINES ASKS FOR HELP ON EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS
REF: A. MANILA 609 (NOTAL)
B. MANILA 573 (NOTAL)
C. MANILA 468 (NOTAL)
1. (SBU) The Department of Foreign Affairs has shared with
Embassy copies of letters dated January 31 to the resident
Ambassadors of Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain,
Sweden, and the Netherlands, requesting technical assistance
as the Philippine government investigates and tries to
resolve extrajudicial and other "unexplained" killings,
following recommendations from the Presidentially-appointed
Melo Commission (refs). (Full text of identical letters in
para 2.) Separately, Norway, which has been unsuccessfully
trying to facilitate peace talks between the Philippine
government and the Communist Party of the Philippines and the
National Democratic Front, privately expressed interest to
Pol/C in exploring additional assistance, perhaps financial
support to the Philippine Department of Justice's expanded
witness protection program. Embassy will continue to consult
with counterparts in Manila about possible new assistance
from these and other countries, as well as to explain ongoing
USG efforts, including expanded aid to the Philippine
Commission on Human Rights and strategic reform programs for
the military, police, and judiciary.
2. (U) Text of request letters
quote
31 January 2007
Excellency,
In an effort to address the concerns of the international
community on the so-called unexplained killings in the
Philippines, I have the honor to inform you that the
Government of the Republic of the Philippines would welcome
any technical assistance that could be extended by the (name
of country), to facilitate and expedite the work of the Melo
Commission.
I wish also to inform Your Excellency that we have conveyed
to other EU member-states that we welcome similar assistance,
as previously offered during the 28 November 2006 briefing on
the matter. It is hoped that, with the various experiences
and expertise each government has on such issues, all cases
will be resolved soon with due diligence.
Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest
consideration.
/s/ Albert G. Romulo
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs
end quote
Visit Embassy Manila's Classified SIPRNET website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm
You can also access this site through the State Department's
Classified SIPRNET website:
http:// www.state.sgov.gov/
KENNEY