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


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