RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE EU/EC PARTICPATION IN THE UN

C O N F I D E N T I A L USEU BRUSSELS 003473 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/06/2017 TAGS: PREL KCRS UNGA UNSC ECOSOC EUN PO UN SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE EU/EC PARTICPATION IN THE UN PEACE BUILDING COMMISSION REF: SECSTATE 162747 Classified By: Acting DpPolCouns V. Carver for reasons 1.5 (b/d). ¶1. (C) PolOff presented points (reftel) December 7 to Morten Knudsen of the European Council's UN and International Law Unit. Knudsen emphasized that the Council and the Commission are in no way looking to expand their influence within the PBC, that they are not seeking either voting privileges or the right to make duplicate speeches on any issue. However, since the European Union gives equal importance to the political role played by the Council and the economic role played by the Commission, it is inappropriate to ask either representative to sit behind the other at the PBC. Since space limitations are not an issue, they do not understand the U.S. objection to having two bodies sitting behind a single nameplate. On the issue of invitations, they suggest multiple copies of a single invitation addressed to both the Commission and the Council as an acceptable compromise. The EU is eager to find a pragmatic solution to this issue, which need not set any precedent for any other international organization, so that the PBC can move from procedural to substantive issues. ¶2. (C) Comment: Knudsen's remark about not setting a precedent is disingenuous; the EU will build on all such "compromises" as further precedents for similar treatment in all IOs. GRAY