SUPPORT FOR GOE NOMINATION TO UNHRC ADVISORY

UNCLAS QUITO 002629 SIPDIS SIPDIS IO/UNP FOR MEYER, IO/RHS FOR ROHN AND BIRDSALL, E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EC SUBJECT: SUPPORT FOR GOE NOMINATION TO UNHRC ADVISORY COMMITTEE ¶1. Post wishes to express its strong support of the GOE's nomination of Jose VALENCIA Amores to serve as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Commission Advisory Committee. Dr. Valencia's experience and temperament would be a true asset to the committee. ¶2. Currently a professor and Coordinator of the International RELATIONS Program at the distinguished Latin American Faculty for Social Sciences (FLACSO) in Quito, Valencia served from 2005 until September 2007 as the Executive Director of the NGO Citizen Participation. During his tenure at Citizen Participation, Valencia demonstrated unquestionable integrity, overseeing elections monitoring results for key nationwide elections. Respected by all political parties as well as the public, Valencia led the organization in reviews of government institutions, and never shied away from criticizing the GOE when necessary. His calm, evenhanded tone was welcome amidst the charged political scene in the run-up to this year's Constitutional Assembly elections. ¶3. Prior to joining Citizen Participation, Valencia held numerous positions at the Ecuadorian Ministry of External Relations, including tours at the Ecuadorian missions to the United Nations in Geneva and New York, where he concentrated on human rights topics. He demonstrated great savvy as Chief of Cabinet to the Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1997-1998. Dr. Valencia also has extensive academic experience, having taught at FLACSO, the University San Francisco de Quito, and Catholic University of Quito. Dr. Valencia's complete curriculum vitae will be forwarded to IO under separate cover. ¶4. The embassy hopes that Dr. Valencia's nomination will be given serious consideration and that his candidacy for the May election will prove successful. JEWELL