Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07STATE157244
2007-11-16 15:54:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

FUNDING FOR UN COMPOUND IN IRAQ

Tags:  IZ UNGA UNSC 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0009
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #7244 3201604
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 161554Z NOV 07
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD IMMEDIATE 3890
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 9571
INFO RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON IMMEDIATE 3314
C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 157244 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/15/2017
TAGS: IZ UNGA UNSC
SUBJECT: FUNDING FOR UN COMPOUND IN IRAQ


Classified By: NEA/I-POL, Chat Blakeman, Reasons: 1.4 B and D

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 157244

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/15/2017
TAGS: IZ UNGA UNSC
SUBJECT: FUNDING FOR UN COMPOUND IN IRAQ


Classified By: NEA/I-POL, Chat Blakeman, Reasons: 1.4 B and D


1. This is an action request. Please see paragraphs 3 and 4

BACKGROUND



2. The UN has been engaged in finding a long-term compound
for the United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI)
since 2004, when UNAMI restarted operations in Baghdad. The
compound is intended to serve as the headquarters, offices,
and residence of the UN and its specialized agencies. After
discussions with MNF-I, CPA/Embassy Baghdad and the Iraqi
government, the UN was given the site of the old U.S. Embassy
to build its compound. At present, construction cost is
estimated at 190 million dollars, which includes tearing down
the old U.S. Embassy and building a new, secure facility on
site. The compound's price tag is likely to meet resistance
from UN Member States. This resistance could significantly
delay action on the project, if not undermine the prospect of
obtaining UN funding for the project.

CONSULT WITH DE MISTURA



3. Embassy Baghdad should consult with SRSG De Mistura at
its earliest opportunity about the new UNAMI compound,
including whether it is worth approaching the GOI once more
about a less expensive, alternative site and, if not,
exploring with GOI what financial contribution it is prepared
to make toward the construction of the new compound. When
approaching the Iraqis, post should note the benefits that
will accrue to Iraq from a full-fledged UN presence and point
to the precedent of other oil-rich countries, such as Kuwait,
which have financed UN activities within their borders. As
appropriate, post should coordinate these discussions with
the UK Embassy.

UNAMI COMPOUND IN FIFTH COMMITTEE



4. USUN is requested to try to further delay the
introduction in the Fifth Committee of the proposal to fund
the construction of the UNAMI compound until a positive
resolution is developed that details how GOI and others can
help with funding.
RICE