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