JAPAN: NO ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR UN MIDDLE RING

UNCLAS TOKYO 000658 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR IO/UNP GERMANO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UN IZ JA SUBJECT: JAPAN: NO ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR UN MIDDLE RING SECURITY AT THIS TIME REF: STATE 17022 ¶1. (SBU) Japan is not in a position at this time to make additional contributions to the Distinct Entity Trust Fund for UN middle ring security, MOFA Deputy Director for Second Middle East Division Masaki Yasumatsu told Embassy Tokyo Political Officer February 14. According to Yasumatsu, Japan greatly appreciates the critical role the United Nations plays in Iraq, and is also grateful for the fact that the United States is seeking to solicit financial support to provide continued security for this effort. However, he pointed out, Japan contributed over one third of the original fund, its AIR Self Defense Forces are providing airlift for UNAMI, it has deployed Ground Self Defense Forces in Iraq, and it has made over 5 billion USD in financial assistance available to Iraq for reconstruction assistance. Most recently, a budget supplemental of 100 million USD was passed to enable Japan to channel additional aid to Iraq through UN organizations. ¶2. (SBU) Yasumatsu questioned why the UN requires a distinct budget entity to fund security and why steps were not taken earlier to replenish the fund. He said he understands it was impossible to discuss funding until the UNSCR enabling continued UN presence in Iraq was passed, but observed that if steps had been taken earlier, Tokyo might have been able to take the need for such funds into consideration in its budget cycle and a contribution might have been possible. As things stand now, Tokyo is not in a position to make additional contributions at this time. SCHIEFFER