NORWAY ON THE ELECTION FOR THE COMMITTEE ON THE

UNCLAS OSLO 001127 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL UNGA NO SUBJECT: NORWAY ON THE ELECTION FOR THE COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION REF: SECSTATE 157655 ¶1. (SBU) In response to Reftel demarche on the re-election campaign for Mr. Pierre-Richard Prosper, the U.S. candidate for the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Committee),the Head of the Norwegian MFA's Human Rights Section, Tormod Endresen, responded positively but with a caveat (see paragraph 2). He noted that Norway is appreciative of US efforts to ensure that candidates for Committee positions have proper professional qualifications and experience in the field, which the GON feels is an invaluable benefit to the Committee functions. ¶2. (SBU) Although Endresen said that Norway was positive about Prosper's candidacy, he asked that we pass a request back for a mutual support agreement or commitment to support Norway's candidacy to the UN Human Rights Council during the May 2009 election, where they will be the unanimous choice to represent the Nordic countries on the Council. WHITNEY