VZCZCXYZ0000
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHML #2859 2341007
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 221007Z AUG 07
FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7974
UNCLAS MANILA 002859
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR IO/RHS, L/HRR, USUN NEWYORK, US MISSION GENEVA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL UNGA RP
SUBJECT: PHILIPPINES RESPONSE ON CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE
ELECTIONS
REF: A. STATE 107692
B. STATE 108646
1. (SBU) As requested (reftels), post met with the
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to underscore U.S.
support for the candidacy of Felice Gaer for the United
Nations Committee Against Torture.
2. (SBU) Leah Ruiz, Director for International Political,
Legal, and Security Affairs in DFA's Office of United Nations
and International Organizations, noted our points regarding
Ms. Gaer's candidacy. Ms. Ruiz observed that the
Philippines is verifying whether other candidates will oppose
Ms. Gaer in the elections, noting that the Philippines will
weigh Ms. Gaer's qualifications against those of any other
candidates. Ms. Ruiz stated that, as of now, "if no other
candidates emerge" the Philippines will support Ms. Gaer.
Visit Embassy Manila's Classified website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm
JONES