RESPONSE TO THE WORKING GROUP OF EXPERTS ON

UNCLAS STATE 123707 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM UNCHR SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO THE WORKING GROUP OF EXPERTS ON PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT - GENEVA LOG 70-2009 ¶1. This is an action request. Mission is requested to convey to the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent the text of the letter in paragraph 3. This is in response to Ms. Najcevska's letter sent 19 October, 2009. This is item number 70 on the 2009 Geneva Correspondence Log. ¶2. The Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent expressed interest in visiting the United States to examine matters related to its mandate. We are pleased to extend an invitation to the Working Group to visit from January 25 through January 29, 2010, as per their request. Mission Geneva is asked to coordinate with the Working Group on the details of their visit. The U.S. Government will schedule and accommodate to the fullest extent possible appropriate requests for meetings with U.S. Executive branch officials. Please advise Ms. Najcevska that her staff will be responsible for scheduling meetings with state officials, members of Congress and civil society members. ¶3. Begin text: Ms. Mirjana Najcevska Acting Chair of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent Geneva, Switzerland Dear Ms. Najcevska, We are pleased to have received your October 21, 2009, letter confirming your plans to visit the United States from 25 January to 29 January, 2010. The United States welcomes your visit. We ask that you work with staff at the U.S. mission in Geneva to identify your specific interests in order to plan the official meetings with federal executive branch officials in the United States. We ask that your staff be responsible for scheduling meetings with state government officials, members of Congress and civil society members. (Complimentary close). End text. ¶4. Department appreciates the Mission's assistance with this matter. CLINTON