UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000958

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR WHA/CAR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM US UNHRC TD
SUBJECT: MFA STILL UNDECIDED ON WEDGWOOD CANDIDACY

REF: STATE 130573


1. On August 15, PolChief and PolAsst met with MFA Multilateral
Affairs Division Director Susan Gordon and Senior Multilateral
Affairs Officer Roanna Gopaul. Among other topics, we delivered the
August 9 demarche(reftel)requesting confirmation of what the
department reported as T&T's commitment to support professor Ruth
Wedgwood's reelection to the UN Human Rights Committee. However,
Gordon denied knowledge of any such commitment and said no decision
has yet been taken on the Wedgwood candidacy.

2. We again presented to Gordon professor Wedgwood's outstanding
qualifications and asked for T&T's support for her reelection.
Gordon said she would let us know the GOTT decision, once it is
made.


3. ACTION REQUESTED: Post would appreciate receiving references to
any USUN New York or US MISSION Geneva reporting notifying the
Department of the commitment by GOTT representatives in New York or
Geneva to support professor Wedgwood's candidacy.


SWEENEY