RESPONSE ON UN REFORM WILL DEPEND ON EU CONSENSUS

UNCLAS BUCHAREST 000308 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR IO/MPR BRIAN HACKETT AND USUN/MR BENJAMIN GARCIA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ACABQ AORC APER PREL UNGA UNGA UNGA RO SUBJECT: RESPONSE ON UN REFORM WILL DEPEND ON EU CONSENSUS REF: STATE 31831 (SBU) Deputy Political Chief delivered reftel demarche on March 14 to Eugen Mihut, MFA Deputy Director for UN and Specialized Institutions. Mihut was well informed about the UN reform controversy and said he would also share the U.S. points with MFA's lawyers who cover international organizations. Mihut said he could give a preliminary response on the Fifth Committee issues. He noted that Romania currently was discussing its position, and he would put the U.S. views on the table so they can be considered fully. Romania's position will be, however, to consult with EU allies and work towards keeping consensus within the EU common position when the issue is discussed in Brussels. Mihut did say that if the GOR had any points of disagreement with the U.S. arguments not covered by the EU position, then he would share those with the Embassy. TAUBMAN