DRC ON UN REFORM

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000126 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KUNR PHUM ADCO CG UN SUBJECT: DRC ON UN REFORM REF: A. STATE 4745 ¶B. STATE 4746 ¶1. (SBU) In a January 23 meeting with Foreign Minister Raymond Ramazani, the Ambassador delivered reftel demarches on UN reform. Ramazani agreed in principle that the UN should be reformed to make it a more efficient organization. ¶2. (SBU) Ramazani asked about the USG position on the expansion of the Security Council. He said the GDRC is aware of the problems expanding membership may have on the efficiency of the Council, and noted that the question of granting veto power beyond the P5 could be problematic, as the Permanent 5 members would be unenthusiastic to accept such a proposal. He added that among African nations, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa are most concerned with Security Council expansion, as they are the ones hoping to become Council members. Ramazani said he considered Egypt to be aligned with the Arab bloc, and therefore should not be considered for a potential African seat on the Council. Ramazani also said that aside from those three nations, other African countries were not concerned about gaining permanent seats on the Council, but would support an African representative. ¶3. (SBU) Ramazani said the most important issues for the GDRC are creation of the Peacebuilding Commission and reform of the Economic and Social Council. He said these bodies would be particularly helpful and should focus their efforts on how best to assist countries like the DRC. ¶4. (SBU) Ramazani said the GDRC welcomes the creation of a new Human Rights Council, but did not address the proposal of country-specific resolutions. (Comment: The DRC has been the subject of a resolution in the Human Rights Commission each of the past three years. End comment.) MEECE NNNN