VZCZCXYZ0014
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHLI #0149 0171623
ZNR UUUUU ZZH (CCY REMOVED NOFORN CLASSIFICATION AD4DB844 MSI7829)
P 171623Z JAN 08
FM AMEMBASSY LISBON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6575
INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 1522
UNCLAS LISBON 000149
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
Department for IO/UNP
C O R R E C T E D C O P Y - NOFORN CLASSIFICATION REMOVED
E.O. 12958: NA
TAGS: PREL UN PO
SUBJECT: Portugal to Back CERD Candidate Prosper, Solicits U.S.
Backing for UNSC Seat Yet Again
REF: A) 07 Lisbon 2621, B) 07 Lisbon 3088
1. (U) In response to our demarche, Portugal sent a diplomatic note
on January 17 confirming its support for U.S. Candidate Pierre
Prosper to the Committee for the Elimination of all forms of Racial
Discrimination (CERD). The note goes on to request for the third
time in as many months that the United States support Portugal's
candidacy for the UN Security Council in 2011-2012.
2. (SBU) Begin informal translation of Portuguese dipnote:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to the
Embassy of the United States of America in Lisbon and has the honor
to communicate that, within the framework of excellent bilateral
relations between Portugal and the United States of America, in
particular the mutual exchange of support for the international
candidacies of both countries, and noting the individual merits of
the candidate, (Portugal) will support the candidacy of Mr.
Pierre-Richard Prosper on the Committee for the Elimination of all
Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), in the January 17 elections
in New York.
Portugal is confident that, with this additional demonstration of
support for U.S. candidates, it will be possible to further
reinforce the already excellent bilateral relationship in this
field. To that end, we reaffirm Portugal's candidacy for a seat on
the United Nations Security Council (2011-2012) and hope that we can
count on the support of the United States.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes this opportunity to reiterate
to the U.S. Embassy the assurances of its highest consideration.
Lisbon, January 16, 2008
End informal translation.
3. (SBU) Comment: Other than the candidate's name and the committee,
the dipnote repeats verbatim the language in 07 Lisbon 2621. Given
the high priority the MFA is placing on its lobbying efforts,
Portugal will probably support most U.S. candidates and use each
notification to remind the USG of its bid. End comment.
STEPHENSON