COSTA RICA REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR JUDGE THOMAS

UNCLAS SAN JOSE 002411 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV OPDC CS UNGA SUBJECT: COSTA RICA REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR JUDGE THOMAS BURGENTHAL'S CANDIDACY TO THE ICJ REF: A. SECSTATE 179062 ¶B. SAN JOSE 1032 ¶C. SECSTATE 80697 ¶1. Ref B reported Costa Rica's initial positive response to Judge Burgenthal's candidacy. Per Ref A instructions, PolOff followed up with the Foreign Ministry on October 6, and was reassured of Costa Rica's support. On October 12, Embassy San Jose received Costa Rican Diplomatic Note DGPE/DPM/AC 891/10/05, requesting the Embassy to officially convey Costa Rica's support for the nomination. ¶2. Unofficial translation of the Diplomatic Note follows: Republic of Costa Rica Ministry of Foreign Relations and Culture General Directorate for Foreign Policy The Ministry of Foreign Relations and Culture - General Directorate for Foreign Policy - presents its compliments to the Honorable Embassy of the United States of America and has the honor to refer to your note number 181, by which the Embassy has requested the support of the Government of Costa Rica for the candidacy of Judge Thomas Burgenthal for the position of Justice of the International Court of Justice, in the elections to be held at the 60th Ordinary Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to request that the Embassy kindly serve as the conduit to inform your Illustrious Government that the Republic of Costa Rica, mindful of the strong ties of friendship and excellent relations that exist between our two countries, reiterates its support for the above-mentioned candidacy, which had been previously manifested by our Mission to the United Nations in New York. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Culture - Directorate General for Foreign Policy - takes this opportunity to renew to the Honorable Diplomatic Mission, assurances of it's distinguished consideration. San Jose, 10 October 2005 End text. FRISBIE