Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08OSLO402
2008-07-18 14:24:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Oslo
Cable title:  

NORWAY WON'T SUPPORT PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE EVENT

Tags:  EUN PHUM PERL KDEM 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0011
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNY #0402 2001424
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 181424Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY OSLO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6919
C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000402 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2018
TAGS: EUN PHUM PERL KDEM
SUBJECT: NORWAY WON'T SUPPORT PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE EVENT
AT UN NYC

REF: A. OSLO 388

B. STATE 70829

Classified By: Political Counselor Kristen Bauer for reasons 1.4 (b) an
d (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000402

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2018
TAGS: EUN PHUM PERL KDEM
SUBJECT: NORWAY WON'T SUPPORT PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE EVENT
AT UN NYC

REF: A. OSLO 388

B. STATE 70829

Classified By: Political Counselor Kristen Bauer for reasons 1.4 (b) an
d (d)


1. (C) Poloff was called by Anne Merchant, Senior Advisor in
the MFA Section for Human Rights and Democracy, and told that
Norway would not co-sponsor the NYC prisoners of conscience
event. Merchant had consulted extensively with State
Secretary Elizabeth Walaas and the issue had been debated
internally.


2. (C) As justification, Merchant said that it was perceived
as too politically controversial to pick specific countries
to be represented at the event, and it would have been better
to have an event with the special rapporteurs. Merchant
suggested the USG should have discussed the issue with
potential supporters other than the EU earlier on.


3. (C) Speaking more informally, Merchant said that Cuba and,
to a lesser extent, Eritrea were the issues. Norway said it
had received support from Cuba on recent resolutions.
Supporting the event might jeopardize its relations with both
Cuba and Eritrea.
WHITNEY