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