UN DEMOCRACY FUND: NEW ZEALAND'S RESPONSE

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000448 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM NZ SUBJECT: UN DEMOCRACY FUND: NEW ZEALAND'S RESPONSE REF: A. SECSTATE 104045 ¶B. SECSTATE 99849 ¶1. Poloff on June 2 delivered ref B demarche points, proposed letter and UN terms of reference to Valerie Meyer, Deputy Director of New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's United Nations, Human Rights and Commonwealth Division. Meyer responded on June 3, noting three key areas of concern for the GoNZ. First, the GoNZ seeks a better understanding of how the UN Democracy Fund would differ from other UN promotion activities such as the UNDP Democratic Governance Thematic Trust Fund. Second, the GoNZ requests a list of countries that have indicated a willingness to sign the proposed letter. Third, the GoNZ desires information regarding the necessary funding for the UN Democracy Fund and the level of contribution that would be anticipated for the GoNZ. ¶2. Adding to the third point, Meyer asked whether contributions would be one-time or recurring. Meyer further noted that the GoNZ would need to determine how it would fund a contribution to the UN Democracy Fund, whether via its development agency, NZAID, or another mechanism. Meyer indicated that the GoNZ would be unable to sign the proposed letter without knowing what its fiscal commitment would be as a contributing supporter. ¶3. Poloff on June 7 delivered ref A demarche points to Meyer, but has not yet received a response. Post will report any GoNZ reply septel, but meanwhile stands ready to convey any further response from the Department to the GoNZ. While ref A responds to some of the GoNZ's key concerns, it does not appear to fully address the government's concern regarding its prospective fiscal commitment to the UN Democracy Fund. Swindells