O R 142031Z JUL 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO USMISSION GENEVA IMMEDIATE
INFO USMISSION USUN NEW YORK

UNCLAS STATE 075400 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PHUM PREL
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO WG ON ARBITRARY DETENTION'S REQUEST 
TO VISIT U.S. 
 
¶1. Mission is requested to convey to the 
Chairperson-Rapporteur for the Working Group on arbitrary 
detentions the text of the letter in paragraph 2.  This is in 
response to Manuela Carmena Castrillo s letter of May 26, 
2008 regarding the Working Group's reply on proposed dates 
for a country visit to the United States. The text of this 
letter will be emailed to post. 
 
¶2. The Working Group on arbitrary detentions has expressed 
interest in postponing its visit to the United States from 
late September 2008 to February 2009, because they believe 
the electoral campaign period would not be an ideal setting 
for a country mission. 
 
¶3. Begin text of letter. 
 
Dear Chairperson-Rapporteur Castrillo, 
 
This letter responds to your letter of 26 May, 2008 in which 
you expressed your interest in visiting the U.S. in your 
official capacity as Chairperson-Rapporteur for the Working 
Group on arbitrary detentions and in which you requested to 
postpone your visit to the United States from late September 
2008 to February 2009. 
 
The United States welcomes your visit, and while we do not 
object to the proposed February 2009 time-frame, we do wish 
to note that because the U.S. will inaugurate a new President 
on January 20th, February will be a time of significant 
change within the U.S. government. Should you choose to plan 
your visit for the month of February, however, we would be 
happy to work with you to ensure a productive visit. 
 
The United States government is committed to protecting human 
rights in our country and abroad.  We look forward to your 
upcoming visit. 
 
Complimentary close. 
 
End text. 
 
¶4. Department appreciates the Mission's assistance with this 
matter. 
RICE 
 
 
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