PORTUGAL RESPONSE TO STATE DEPARTMENT'S 2008 HUMAN

UNCLAS LISBON 000202 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL PO SUBJECT: PORTUGAL RESPONSE TO STATE DEPARTMENT'S 2008 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT REF: STATE 88038 The following is an unofficial translation of a Diplomatic Note received by post from the Portuguese MFA on March 20, 2009, in response to the State Department's 2008 Human Rights Report: Begin Text. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America in Lisbon and, with reference to the recently released "Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2008", has the honor to inform that Portugal, in accordance with its internal legal framework and with international obligations, is firmly engaged in promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, both at the national and international levels. As such, Portuguese authorities are vigilant of the areas cited in the report, and will continue to make all efforts to improve respect for the human rights of all of Portugal's citizens and residents. Portugal will undergo a universal periodic review by the UN Human Rights Council in December 2009 and, at that time, will present and discuss with all UN member states its human rights situation. As for the promotion of human rights at the international level, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes this opportunity to commend the executive orders signed by President Barack Obama on January 22, 2009 regarding the closing of Guantanamo, the review of all detentions, and the practice of interrogations by U.S. security authorities in accordance with international law. At this time, we note the continuing concern surrounding the application of the death penalty in the United States and in other countries, and urge the U.S. government to consider establishing, in accordance with UNGA resolutions 63/168 and 62/149, a moratorium on the application of the death penalty with the goal of its abolishment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes this opportunity to present to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest consideration. End Text. For more reporting from Embassy Lisbon and information about Portugal, please see our Intelink site: http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/portal:port ugal BALLARD