Cablegate: Portugal Considers Un Human Rights Committee

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DE RUEHLI #1693 2231534
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R 111534Z AUG 06
FM AMEMBASSY LISBON
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 5069

UNCLAS LISBON 001693

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM UN PO
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL CONSIDERS UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
CANDIDATES

REF: SECSTATE 130575

1. (U) Pol/Econ officer met with MFA International
Organization Officer Celia Morais on August 11 to urge
Portugal to support Dr. Ruth Wedgwood's reelection to the UN
Human Rights Committee. Morais welcomed the detailed
information and replied that Portugal takes great interest in
the Human Rights Committee and will consider which candidates
will make up the best group. Morais added that Portugal
wants to evaluate the qualifications of all applicants before
deciding which to support.

2 (SBU) COMMENT: Portugal's Foreign Ministry is still
smarting somewhat from its failed bid for the Human Rights
Council and will probably focus efforts on the September 7
election to remain engaged on the issue. End comment.
O'Neal

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