DOMINICAN REPUBLIC EXTENDS INVITATION TO REGIONAL

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 000840 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR WHA, WHA/CAR SEARBY AND LUFTIG. WHA/PPC BISCHOFF, INL/LP BROWN JUSTICE FOR OIA ORJALES JUSTICE PLEASE PASS FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS SANDRA KAZ E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KJUS KHUM OTRA DR SUBJECT: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC EXTENDS INVITATION TO REGIONAL PENITENTIARIES CONFERENCE, JUNE 20-22, 2007 ¶1. Embassy has received a letter from Dominican Attorney General Radhames Jimenez Pena inviting U.S. participation in an upcoming conference on regional penitentiary practices and penitentiary reform to be held in Santo Domingo, June 20-22, ¶2007. Post requests notification regarding USG intent to participate so that a proper response may be formulated. ¶2. A copy of the original letter has been electronically transmitted to WHA/CAR David Searby and Laura Luftig, INL/LP Kevin Brown, and DOJ-OIA Rudy Orjales. ¶3. Unofficial Embassy translation follows: (Formal opening) We have the pleasure of informing you that the Dominican Attorney General's Office, through the National Penitentiary School, will hold in Santo Domingo on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of June, the Second Latin American and Caribbean Penitentiary Seminar and Forum, with the objective of maintaining a platform for regional exchange regarding the importance of prisons in the context of public policies governing criminal and social affairs. Penitentiary treatment practices, such as State re-education of the incarcerated, will be one of the chief subjects of the Seminar, given our stimulation of an expanded interchange of experiences between representatives of the various Prison Treatment Programs found in the region. We would like to extend a formal invitation for a delegation of officials and technicians from your country's penitentiary system to participate in this regional event. Accreditation and participation will be cost free for your official delegation, though each delegation will be responsible for its own travel (transportation, lodging, meals and incidentals) costs. The Second Latin American and Caribbean Penitentiary Seminar and Forum will be sponsored by the United Nations Latin American Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Criminals (ILANUD),the Organization of American States, and the European Union. We look forward to the opportunity to share experiences regarding penitentiary reform in the region. Regards, Dr. Radhames Jimenez Pena Attorney General of the Republic HERTELL