INSTRUCTIONS TO DISCUSS PSIDS UNGA RESOLUTION ON

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 087757 SIPDIS COLOMBO FOR MALDIVES PORT LOUIS FOR SEYCHELLES E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNGA SENV AORC KGHG UNGA SUBJECT: INSTRUCTIONS TO DISCUSS PSIDS UNGA RESOLUTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE REF: STATE 82276 ¶1. This is an Action Request. Please see paragraphs 5 - 7. ¶2. Objective: We want the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) to consolidate discussion of their proposed resolution for the current UN General Assembly (UNGA 62) into the Second Committee of the next General Assembly (UNGA 63) in the fall and to remove the call for UN Security Council action from their proposed language. ¶3. Background: The group of Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) at the United Nations in New York, led by Tonga and Palau, are tabling a draft UNGA resolution on "The threat of climate change to international peace and security." The resolution requests the UN Security Council to consider and address the threat posed by climate change to international peace and security, as well as requesting a UN report on the peace and security implications of climate change. Informal negotiations on the draft text are scheduled for August, with UNGA 62 action planned for September 8. UNGA 63 begins September 22. ¶4. USG Position: The USG wants to work constructively with the PSIDS, and we understand their concerns over climate change. However, we do not support UN Security Council action on this subject because it is not the appropriate venue. The Security Council already has a plethora of pressing matters that threaten peace and security. We respect the traditional definition of peace and security issues and do not wish to expand their meaning. The USG also wants to allow time for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations on a post - 2012 agreement to run their course; the UNFCCC outcome will supersede any other recommendations. If the implications of climate change that are related to peace and security should be discussed, this discussion should take place in the GA's Second Committee, at the same time as other climate change matters are addressed. Additionally, the resolution should not request action by the Security Council. Thus, we are willing to reach an agreement with the PSIDS that addresses some of their needs in the Second Committee of UNGA 63, but that stops short of calling for UNSC action. For additional information, see reftel. ¶5. Posts are requested to approach appropriate government officials to convey and seek support for the U.S. position. Washington would be interested in Post's assessment of the degree of political support in capitals for this initiative by their representatives in New York. ¶6. Posts may wish to draw from the following points: -- We recognize the seriousness of global climate change and the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy security and promoting sustainable development. --We fully support UN efforts to address climate change, in particular the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and are committed to reaching conclusions under the UNFCCC on an economically sustainable and environmentally effective global framework to address the challenges of climate change. -- We value our close and historic ties with Pacific Island Nations. Secretary Rice's meetings with Pacific Ministers last month in Samoa demonstrate the importance we place on these relations. Indeed, much of their conversation was about climate change and renewable energy. -- We have strong reservations on the implications of the content of such a resolution, specifically whether this issue is appropriate for the Security Council. -- The Security Council already has a full agenda of matters STATE 00087757 002 OF 002 that are very clearly immediate threats to international peace and security. -- UN bodies and international venues, with the appropriate mandates and expertise are already actively and seriously addressing issues related to climate change. The U.S. will continue our leadership role, engaging with other nations on these issues through our bilateral and regional initiatives and at appropriate multilateral meetings. -- Further, we do not want additional UN action to detract from on-going UNFCCC negotiations, whose outcomes will supersede other decisions. -- However, in light of our close ties with the PSIDS and their strong support in the United Nations and on peacekeeping activities, we plan to fully engage and work cooperatively towards a mutually agreeable outcome. -- If additional resolution language on climate change is truly needed, the Second Committee is a more appropriate venue to discuss this; experts from capitals typically negotiate the regular climate change resolution during the fall session. Consolidating discussion on the PSIDS climate resolution with the annual Second Committee resolution will take advantage of this expertise. -- As this UNGA runs its course during the summer months, attention is focused elsewhere. Addressing this in the fall also ensures more robust engagement. Further, the Second Committee's tradition of consensus ensures fruitful discussions. -- We also encourage the Permanent Representatives in NY to work together to address this issue without requesting Security Council action. ¶7. Please slug responses to IO/EDA Rebecca Webber (WebberRE@state.gov). RICE