CHILE REQUESTS U.S. SUPPORT FOR CANDIDACY TO THE

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000040 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL UNGA CI SUBJECT: CHILE REQUESTS U.S. SUPPORT FOR CANDIDACY TO THE WHO EXECUTIVE BOARD FOR 2008-2011 ¶1. Post recently received Diplomatic Note No. 404 requesting U.S. support for Chile's candidacy to the Executive Board of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the period of 2008-2011. Paragraph two contains Post's informal translation of the Note. ¶2. Begin Text: REPUBLIC OF CHILE Ministry of Foreign Relations No 404 The Ministry of Foreign Relations - Directorate of Multilateral Policy - presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honor to inform the Embassy that the Government of Chile has decided to present its candidacy to the Executive Board of the World Health Organization (WHO),for the period 2008-2011, in the elections that will be held during the 61st World Health Assembly that will take place in May of 2008 in Geneva, Switzerland. Regarding this matter, the Ministry of Foreign Relations - Directorate of Multilateral Policy - desires to introduce the reasons supporting this candidacy, which are the following: - Our Country has developed in various health areas, innovative public policies for our region. - Chile has actively participated in the WHO initiative related to the Commission on Social Determinants of Health. It is currently implementing a program in the framework of WHO programs as well as the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO). - Our country has signed and ratified the principal WHO Conventions and Regulations and has completely carried out its health obligations (International Health Regulations, WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, etc). It is worth noting that Chile informed the members of PAHO, during that organization's Directing Council sessions, held in September 2006, of its interest in presenting its application to the WHO Executive Board, for the period 2008-2011. In view of the former and in consideraton of the excellent bonds of friendship and cooperation between both ountries, the Government of Chile requests the support of the Government of the United States of America for the above mentioned candidacy, which should be endorsed by the states of the region during the next meeting of the PAHO Directing Council, which will be held in Washington, D.C., in September ¶2007. The Ministry of Foreign Relations - Directorate of Multilateral Policy - avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest and most distinguished consideration. Santiago, December 15, 2006. End Text. KELLY