PORTUGAL CONSIDERS UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE

UNCLAS LISBON 001693 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM UN PO SUBJECT: PORTUGAL CONSIDERS UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE CANDIDATES REF: SECSTATE 130575 ¶1. (U) Pol/Econ officer met with MFA International Organization Officer Celia Morais on August 11 to urge Portugal to support Dr. Ruth Wedgwood's reelection to the UN Human Rights Committee. Morais welcomed the detailed information and replied that Portugal takes great interest in the Human Rights Committee and will consider which candidates will make up the best group. Morais added that Portugal wants to evaluate the qualifications of all applicants before deciding which to support. 2 (SBU) COMMENT: Portugal's Foreign Ministry is still smarting somewhat from its failed bid for the Human Rights Council and will probably focus efforts on the September 7 election to remain engaged on the issue. End comment. O'Neal