JORDAN ASKS FOR USG SUPPORT ON OIOS AUDIT ISSUE AT

UNCLAS AMMAN 002793 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KUNC PREL IZ JO UNSC ERIN SUBJECT: JORDAN ASKS FOR USG SUPPORT ON OIOS AUDIT ISSUE AT JUNE 4 UNCC GC MEETING REF: A. GENEVA 1706 ¶B. GENEVA 1919 ¶1. (U) This is an action request for the Department. See paras 3-4 below. ¶2. (U) Acting Foreign Minister Shaher Bak asked the Ambassador and PolCouns May 29 for USG support for Jordan's position in the upcoming June 4 meeting of the Governing Council (GC) of the UN Compensation Commission (UNCC). Bak explained that the June 4 meeting would discuss an audit by the UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) of a 1999 UNCC award of USD 72 million to the Government of Jordan (see refs). Bak explained that the OIOS audit concluded that the UNCC had overpaid Jordan by USD 46 million. Reading from UNCC rules, Bak argued that all UNCC award decisions are final and cannot be appealed. Bak asked for USG support for Jordan's position in the June 4 GC meeting. The Ambassador undertook to get a position from Washington. ¶3. ACTION REQUEST: Please advise on the USG's position on Jordan's case. We note that para 3 of ref A contains "contingency talking points" for Geneva on this issue, as follows: -- The award to Jordan has been made, is final, and has been paid. -- The award cannot and should not be reopened. -- The UNCC acted within its authority with respect to the award. -- The U.S. supports the UNCC in general and the UNCC rule that awards are final. ¶4. (U) Please advise whether Embassy Amman is authorized to use these points to respond to the GOJ's request for support. Gnehm