HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE: FRENCH OFFER VOTE PACT

UNCLAS PARIS 004011 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. PLEASE HANDLE ACCORDINGLY. E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM UNGA US FR SUBJECT: HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE: FRENCH OFFER VOTE PACT REF: A. PARIS 3939 B. STATE 85722 ¶1. (U) THIS IS A GUIDANCE REQUEST. SEE PARA 3. ¶2. (SBU) The French MFA has formally proposed, by diplomatic note, a pact to exchange votes on behalf of U.S. and French candidates to the Human Rights Committee. Ref A related that MFA IO DAS-Equivalent Le Fraper sought U.S. backing for the candidacy of Christine Chanet. Embassy has since received June 12 a diplomatic note, dated January 24 (sic),pledging support for Professor Wedgwood's reelection in exchange for a U.S. vote in favor of Chanet's reelection to the same committee. ¶3. (U) Guidance Request: Please advise on a response to MFA request. ¶4. (SBU) Informal Translation of MFA Diplomatic Note #1128: The Foreign Ministry, Division for the United Nations and International Organizations, presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States in France. In reference to Note Verbale # 305 of the Embassy of the United States in France, the Foreign Ministry, Division for the United Nations and International Organizations, is honored to propose a pact of mutual support whereby France will support the candidacy of Mme Ruth Wedgwood to the Human Rights Committee at the election to be held in New York in September 2006 in exchange for the support of the United States for the candidacy of Mme Christine Chanet at the same election. Please visit Paris' Classified Website at: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm STAPLETON