PORTUGAL RESPONSE TO U.S. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

UNCLAS LISBON 000271 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM PO SUBJECT: PORTUGAL RESPONSE TO U.S. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL CANDIDATURE The following is an unofficial translation of a Diplomatic Note received by post from the Portuguese MFA dated April 30, 2009: Begin Text. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America in Lisbon and, within the framework of the excellent bilateral relations between Portugal and the United States of America, namely in what pertains to mutually supporting international candidatures from both countries, has the honor to inform that Portugal will support the U.S. candidature to the Human Rights Council, for the 2009-2012 term, in the elections to be held in May 2009 in New York. Portugal is confident that this further expression of support to U.S. candidates will further reinforce the excellent bilateral relationship between our two countries. In this context, we evoke Portugal's candidature to the U.N. Security Council (2011-2012) for which we hope to count on the support of the United States of America. 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 STEPHENSON