MOZAMBIQUE SEEKS U.S. SUPPORT IN ILC ELECTION

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 002118

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR L/UNA:TBUCHWALD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNGA ILC MZ
SUBJECT: MOZAMBIQUE SEEKS U.S. SUPPORT IN ILC ELECTION

REF: USUN 2111


1. (U) BEGIN SUMMARY: Ambassador Wolff met November 2 with
Ambassador Filipe Chidumo, Permanent Representative of
Mozambique to the United Nations, who requested U.S. support
for Ambassador Pedro Comissario Afonso's campaign for
re-election to the International Law Commission (ILC).
Elections for the ILC's 2007-2011 term will be held in the
General Assembly November 16. Area Adviser Ambassador Scott
attended as well. END SUMMARY.


2. (U) Ambassador Chidumo said Ambassador Afonso is
competing for one of the eight seats reserved for
representatives of the African region and has the endorsement
of the African Union. Ambassador Afonso served as
Mozambique's Permanent Representative from 1989 to 1996),was
Chairman of the Sixth Committee during the 46th General
Assembly, and holds an L.L.M. from Columbia Law School.


3. (U) Ambassador Wolff called Ambassador Afonso's
credentials "very impressive" and said the United States
remembered his service on the Sixth Committee. He also
explained that, consistent with our long-standing policy, the
United States would not reveal whom it would vote for or whom
it voted for in previous elections. Ambassador Wolff assured
Ambassador Chidumo that the United States would give
Ambassador Afonso's candidacy every consideration.


4. (U) Ambassador Wolff also appealed for Mozambique's
support for the U.S. candidate for the ILC, Michael Matheson.
Ambassador Chidumo said Mozambique believed the United
States should always be represented in international organs
like the ILC. He speculated that the United States would not
have trouble securing Matheson's re-election, but Ambassador
Wolff emphasized the competitiveness of the race, said the
United States could not take votes for granted, and thanked
Mozambique for considering Matheson's candidacy positively.
BOLTON