RESPONSE TO WG ON ARBITRARY DETENTION'S REQUEST

UNCLAS STATE 075400 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO WG ON ARBITRARY DETENTION'S REQUEST TO VISIT U.S. ¶1. Mission is requested to convey to the Chairperson-Rapporteur for the Working Group on arbitrary detentions the text of the letter in paragraph 2. This is in response to Manuela Carmena Castrillo s letter of May 26, 2008 regarding the Working Group's reply on proposed dates for a country visit to the United States. The text of this letter will be emailed to post. ¶2. The Working Group on arbitrary detentions has expressed interest in postponing its visit to the United States from late September 2008 to February 2009, because they believe the electoral campaign period would not be an ideal setting for a country mission. ¶3. Begin text of letter. Dear Chairperson-Rapporteur Castrillo, This letter responds to your letter of 26 May, 2008 in which you expressed your interest in visiting the U.S. in your official capacity as Chairperson-Rapporteur for the Working Group on arbitrary detentions and in which you requested to postpone your visit to the United States from late September 2008 to February 2009. The United States welcomes your visit, and while we do not object to the proposed February 2009 time-frame, we do wish to note that because the U.S. will inaugurate a new President on January 20th, February will be a time of significant change within the U.S. government. Should you choose to plan your visit for the month of February, however, we would be happy to work with you to ensure a productive visit. The United States government is committed to protecting human rights in our country and abroad. We look forward to your upcoming visit. Complimentary close. End text. ¶4. Department appreciates the Mission's assistance with this matter. RICE NNNN'