COLOMBIA'S CANDIDATE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL LAW

UNCLAS BOGOTA 001452

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/AND, IO/UNP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC PREL CO
SUBJECT: COLOMBIA'S CANDIDATE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL LAW
COMMISSION



1. Post received on February 9 dip note DPM/CAI No. 5371
dated February 6 requesting U.S. support for Dr. Eduardo
Valenica Ospina's candidacy for the UN International Law
Commission as well as Valencia's CV (dip note and CV faxed to
WHA/AND). Elections for 2007-2011 International Law
Commission members will take place during the General
Assembly in New York in September 2006.


2. The dip note stresses Valencia's qualifications for
International Law Commission membership: in addition to
having law degrees from Universidad Javeriana, the premier
law school in Colombia, and Harvard Law School, Valencia has
worked for the United Nations in various legal capacities for
36 years and served as the President of the International Law
Association. He is currently the Registrar for the
International Court of Justice. The dip note also stresses
that the International Law Commission has not had a Colombian
member since 1953.


3. Post notes that the GOC has consistently supported U.S.
candidates for international boards and commissions.
DRUCKER