C O N F I D E N T I A L STOCKHOLM 000941

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/20/2016
TAGS: PREL AMGT AORC EU EUN UNGA UNGA SW
SUBJECT: SWEDEN: DEMARCHE ON UN REFORM AND LIFTING THE
BUDGET CAP

REF: STATE 105146

Classified By: Polcouns Casey Christensen, reason 1.4 (b) and (d).

(c) Polcouns made June 27 reftel demarche on UN reform and
lifting the budget cap to MFA Deputy Head of Department for
Global Security Ann Bernes, noting that the draft resolution
included reforms that we hoped would be the basis of a
consensus agreement. Bernes was joined by Deputy Director
for UN Political Issues Carola Tham. Bernes said the GoS
would review the draft resolution and consult with EU
colleagues, noting that it contained elements of reform
proposed by the EU and elements that may not be contentious.
She said Sweden hoped the UNGA's Fifth Committee would be
able to avoid another divisive vote and reach a consensus;
adding that it would be hard to maintain the UN as a
functioning organization without consensus. Bernes said the
atmosphere at the UN had been "poisoned," although recently
it had appeared to improve. In Sweden's view, the spending
cap had not been helpful, and had increased the divide.
Bernes said she would consult immediately with Sweden's
delegation in New York.
WOOD