UN REFORM/JAMAICA: PRESSING DIFFICULT COUNTRIES

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINGSTON 002054

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR IO/UNP, WHA/CAR

E.O. 12958: DECL: 8/31/15
TAGS: KUNR PREL PGOV JM
SUBJECT: UN REFORM/JAMAICA: PRESSING DIFFICULT COUNTRIES
TO WORK WITH US ON OUR PRIORITIES

REF: A. STATE 149376


B. TIGHE/SURAMPUTI 8/25 TELCON

Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Thomas C. Tighe. Reasons 1.4(b) and (
d).


1. (C) On August 25, Charge, accompanied by Pol/Econ Chief,
conveyed Ref A points to Ambassador Douglas Saunders,
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign
Trade (MFAFT). Shortly before Charge was to depart for the
MFAFT with Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Sakurai to convey the
demarche jointly, Sakurai dropped out, citing conflicting
instructions between what he received from Tokyo and what he
had received, informally, directly from the Japanese Embassy
in Washington (Ref B). Charge also approached the recently
arrived UK High Commissioner, who advised him that EU
embassies would approach the GOJ separately.


2. (C) In the meeting with Saunders, Charge noted Jamaica's
twin roles as UN member state and current Chair of the G-77,
adding that the USG is concerned that the Jamaican delegation
often seems to champion the causes of G-77 with
less-than-stellar human rights records, in UN reform
discussions. He also emphasized the special importance the
U.S. places on reforming the Human Rights Commission into a
more streamlined, less politicized Human Rights Council, and
on resolving UN management reform issues. Saunders listened
intently before responding. He said that the Jamaican
delegation must place its G-77 Chair responsibilities ahead
of Jamaica's narrow national interests; accordingly, it is
often difficult for the Jamaican delegation "to speak for
Jamaica." In that vein, he continued, the GOJ is seeking an
opportunity for Prime Minister P.J. Patterson to speak in his
capacity as a head of government in addition to his G-77
speaking role. Saunders conceded that the Human Rights
Commission had become too politicized, but opined that "all
parties" bore responsibility for allow that to happen.


3. (C) On the issue of UNSC reform, Saunders expressed
concern that agreement on new members would far outpace
necessary reforms in other areas, thereby reducing the
impetus to follow through on reform in UN social and
developmental areas important to the GOJ. He observed that
it would have made sense to establish clearer criteria "about
what Security Council membership should entail" (inter alia,
geographical and other considerations; record of stability of
an aspirant's political system, etc.) before considering
specific country bids for new UNSC membership. He said that
Brazil presented a compelling case for permanent status,
unlike Japan ("Their bid seems very unpopular in Asia") and
Germany ("Why should Western Europe have another seat?")


4. (SBU) At the conclusion of the meeting, Saunders thanked
Charge for USG willingness to engage with the GOJ on UN
reform issues, and asked that it continue.


5. (SBU) Comment: As Permanent Secretary, Saunders is the
GOJ's senior career diplomat. Having previously served at
Jamaica's UN Mission, he is familiar with the workings of the
organization and a knowledgeable interlocutor on UN issues.
End Comment.
TIGHE