SELECTION OF PROSECUTOR FOR SPECIAL COURT SIERRA

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 002177 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KAWC KJUS SL USUN SUBJECT: SELECTION OF PROSECUTOR FOR SPECIAL COURT SIERRA LEONE (SCSL) POSITIONS REF: STATE 145205 ¶1. USUN Legal Adviser contacted UN Assistant Secretary General for Legal Affairs Johnson on November 20 to raise the issues (reftel) pertaining to the selection of a new Prosecutor for the SCSL. Johnson confirmed that the UN has recommended a candidate to fill this position to the Government of Sierra Leone and is awaiting their reaction. He noted that consultation with Sierra Leone is required by the Agreement which established the court. OLA hopes for a response soon. ¶2. Johnson also understood completely that the new Prosecutor should be involved in the selection of the Senior Trial Attorney. He said that Deputy Prosecutor von Heubel had urged them to hold off on the selection pending the Prosecutor's appointment and that is how they plan to proceed. OLA seems to agree with the Department's procedural approach as outlined in the points. USUN will keep in close touch with UN Legal and report as soon as further information on the selection of the Prosecutor and Senior Trial Attorney is available. BOLTON