Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07USEUBRUSSELS3473
2007-12-07 16:53:00
CONFIDENTIAL
USEU Brussels
Cable title:  

RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE EU/EC PARTICPATION IN THE UN

Tags:  PREL KCRS UNGA UNSC ECOSOC EUN PO UN 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0024
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBS #3473 3411653
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 071653Z DEC 07
FM USEU BRUSSELS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY
INFO RUEHLI/AMEMBASSY LISBON
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
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).

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