REAPPOINTMENT OF SCSL REGISTRAR

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 015302 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/07/17 TAGS: KJUS KAWC UN SL SUBJECT: REAPPOINTMENT OF SCSL REGISTRAR REF: USUN NEW YORK 00094 CLASSIFIED BY IO ASSISTANT SECRETARY KRISTEN ¶L. SILVERBERG, REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D). ¶1. (U) This is an action request - see paragraph 3. ¶2. (C) Department shares concerns about Lovemore Munlo's performance to date as SCSL Registrar. Allegations by the SCSL's own representative on the UN Management Committee and an AmCit employed by the Registry in Freetown (protect sources) that Munlo is abusive toward subordinate employees are as troubling as doubts about his ability to manage the Registry. However, Department also understands concerns about replacing key SCSL personnel at a time when the SCSL is preparing its final completion strategy and budget, and preparing to start operations in The Hague for the Charles Taylor trial. Department also has concerns about the length of time Deputy Registrar Herman von Hebel might intend to remain at the SCSL. Finally, Department does not feel the United States should take the lead on the issue of Munlo's reappointment, but rather should inform the SCSL Management Committee that the United States does not object if the rest of the Management Committee agrees to reappoint Munlo, though his reappointment for more than one year would cause us considerable concern. ¶3. (SBU) Action Request: Department requests that USUN draw from the points in paragraph 4 to convey to the Management Committee the United States' views on whether to reappoint Munlo. ¶4. (SBU) Begin points: -- The management and administration of the Court during Lovemore Munlo's tenure as Registrar are a concern for the United States. As Judge Cassese's independent expert report highlights, there is ample room for improvement in terms of efficiency and effective management of the Court. -- The United States is deeply concerned, as well, about allegations that Munlo is abusive toward subordinate employees of the Court. If it has not done so already, the Court should investigate and address these allegations immediately and appropriately. -- However, as we stated during the January 17 Management Committee meeting, this is not an ideal time to change key personnel at the Court, since it is preparing its final completion strategy and budget, and preparing to start operations in The Hague for the Charles Taylor trial. -- Nevertheless, if the rest of the Management Committee agrees that Munlo should be reappointed, the United States does not object. However, as the Court's principal donor, the United States will continue to monitor the Court's performance and the hopefully positive impact implementation of the Cassese recommendations will have on the management and administration of the Court. Munlo's future poor performance could adversely affect donor contributions to the Court. -- Munlo's reappointment for more than one year at this point would cause the United States considerable concern. A one-year reappointment would better enable the Management Committee to take necessary action if it assesses that Munlo's performance has not improved. -- It would be beneficial, too, if Herman von Hebel were to remain as Deputy Registrar during this crucial period. We encourage the Management Committee to lobby hard for him to stay, and to otherwise strengthen the staff of the Registry. RICE