Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03COLOMBO613
2003-04-09 09:31:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Colombo
Cable title:  

Action Request: Sri Lankan nominee for UN

Tags:  PREL SOCI PHUM CE UN 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS COLOMBO 000613 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPARTMENT FOR SA, SA/INS, IO/UNP, IO/SHA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL SOCI PHUM CE UN
SUBJECT: Action Request: Sri Lankan nominee for UN
special rapporteur position re judicial independence

Ref: Colombo-SA/INS 04/09/03 fax

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000613

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPARTMENT FOR SA, SA/INS, IO/UNP, IO/SHA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL SOCI PHUM CE UN
SUBJECT: Action Request: Sri Lankan nominee for UN
special rapporteur position re judicial independence

Ref: Colombo-SA/INS 04/09/03 fax


1. (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified --
Please handle accordingly.


2. (U) This message contains an Action Request -- Please
See Para 5.


3. (SBU) On April 9, the Ambassador was approached by
Desmond Fernando, a well known local lawyer, seeking
support for his nomination as UN Special Rapporteur for
Independence of Judges and Lawyers. Mission thinks very
highly of Fernando and believes he would be an excellent
choice for the position. In addition to having vast
experience in the legal profession and on human rights
issues, including working as an advocate for judicial
reforms in Sri Lanka, Fernando is also favorably
inclined to the U.S. and is a very close friend of Prime
Minister Wickremesinghe.


4. (U) Some highlights of Fernando's curriculum vitae
follow (see Reftel for full C.V.):

-- Member of the London Court of International
Arbitration Associates, 1996 to present.

-- Vice President, International Commission of Jurists,
1995-2002.

-- Honorary Life Member, Bar Association of Sri Lanka,
and Council of the International Bar Association, 1990
and 2001 respectively.

-- President, International Bar Association, 1996-1998.

-- President, Bar Association of Sri Lanka, 1989-1991.

-- Appointed President's Counsel in Sri Lanka, 1990.

-- International Visitors Program, 1980.

-- Attorney at Law, 1958.


5. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: Mission asks Department to
review Fernando's nomination for UN Special Rapportuer
for Independence of Judges and Lawyers. As Fernando is
an important contact to the Mission, we would appreciate
being able to inform him whether or not the USG supports
his nomination as soon as possible. END ACTION REQUEST.


6. (U) Minimize considered.

WILLS