VOTING INSTRUCTIONS - UN CONVENTION AGAINST

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 105357

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/10/2019
TAGS: PHUM PREL
SUBJECT: VOTING INSTRUCTIONS - UN CONVENTION AGAINST
TORTURE CONFERENCE OF STATES PARTIES

Classified By: IO A/S Esther Brimmer for reasons
E.O. 12958 1.5(b),(d)

1.(U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 3.


2. (SBU) The Committee Against Torture is a body of 10
independent experts that monitors implementation of the
Convention Against Torture by States Parties. The States
Parties to the Convention elect the Committee members for
three year terms. The United States was not able to nominate
anyone for this election as we already have a
representative on the Committee, Ms. Felice Gaer. The
next election is Tuesday, October 13. Election is by secret
ballot and the five candidates that receive the most votes
will be elected. There are five available slots. Five of
the candidates are incumbents (China, Norway, Morocco, Spain,
Russia). The Italian candidate has strong credentials;
however, we understand he is unlikely to earn enough votes to
unseat any of the incumbents. While not familiar with the
Algerian candidate, Professor Fatina Hadj Salah, Ms. Gaer
reports that the Algerians presentation to the CAT was very
weak and their intention is to weaken standards dealing with
the prevention of torture. We have also received
unfavorable reviews of the Spanish, Russian, and Chinese
candidates, Fernando Marino Menendez, Alexander Kovalev, and
Xuexian Wang, respectively. There may also be candidates
from Libya, Mr. El Hadi Salem Hammed, and Madagascar, Mr.
Lucien Rakotoniaina. The Libyans have challenged parts of
the Convention and Ms. Gaer does not recommend we support
their candidate.


3. (C) USDEL is authorized to vote for the following
candidates in the election for the Committee Against
Torture

-Ms. Essadia BELMIR (Morocco)
-Ms. Nora SVEAASS (Norway)
-Mr. Alessio BRUNI (Italy)
CLINTON