Portugal to Back CERD Candidate Prosper, Solicits U.S.

UNCLAS LISBON 000149 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE Department for IO/UNP C O R R E C T E D C O P Y - NOFORN CLASSIFICATION REMOVED E.O. 12958: NA TAGS: PREL UN PO SUBJECT: Portugal to Back CERD Candidate Prosper, Solicits U.S. Backing for UNSC Seat Yet Again REF: A) 07 Lisbon 2621, B) 07 Lisbon 3088 ¶1. (U) In response to our demarche, Portugal sent a diplomatic note on January 17 confirming its support for U.S. Candidate Pierre Prosper to the Committee for the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD). The note goes on to request for the third time in as many months that the United States support Portugal's candidacy for the UN Security Council in 2011-2012. ¶2. (SBU) Begin informal translation of Portuguese dipnote: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America in Lisbon and has the honor to communicate that, within the framework of excellent bilateral relations between Portugal and the United States of America, in particular the mutual exchange of support for the international candidacies of both countries, and noting the individual merits of the candidate, (Portugal) will support the candidacy of Mr. Pierre-Richard Prosper on the Committee for the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD),in the January 17 elections in New York. Portugal is confident that, with this additional demonstration of support for U.S. candidates, it will be possible to further reinforce the already excellent bilateral relationship in this field. To that end, we reaffirm Portugal's candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Security Council (2011-2012) and hope that we can count on the support of the United States. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes this opportunity to reiterate to the U.S. Embassy the assurances of its highest consideration. Lisbon, January 16, 2008 End informal translation. ¶3. (SBU) Comment: Other than the candidate's name and the committee, the dipnote repeats verbatim the language in 07 Lisbon 2621. Given the high priority the MFA is placing on its lobbying efforts, Portugal will probably support most U.S. candidates and use each notification to remind the USG of its bid. End comment. STEPHENSON