Cablegate: Selection of Prosecutor for Special Court Sierra

VZCZCXYZ0004
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUCNDT #2177 3260021
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 220021Z NOV 06
FM USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0797
INFO RUEHFN/AMEMBASSY FREETOWN PRIORITY 0753
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0798

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 002177

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KAWC KJUS SL USUN
SUBJECT: SELECTION OF PROSECUTOR FOR SPECIAL COURT SIERRA
LEONE (SCSL) POSITIONS

REF: STATE 145205

1. USUN Legal Adviser contacted UN Assistant Secretary
General for Legal Affairs Johnson on November 20 to raise the
issues (reftel) pertaining to the selection of a new
Prosecutor for the SCSL. Johnson confirmed that the UN has
recommended a candidate to fill this position to the
Government of Sierra Leone and is awaiting their reaction.
He noted that consultation with Sierra Leone is required by
the Agreement which established the court. OLA hopes for a
response soon.

2. Johnson also understood completely that the new Prosecutor
should be involved in the selection of the Senior Trial
Attorney. He said that Deputy Prosecutor von Heubel had
urged them to hold off on the selection pending the
Prosecutor's appointment and that is how they plan to
proceed. OLA seems to agree with the Department's procedural
approach as outlined in the points. USUN will keep in close
touch with UN Legal and report as soon as further information
on the selection of the Prosecutor and Senior Trial Attorney
is available.
BOLTON

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