NETHERLANDS/UN: DUTCH VIEWS ON REFORM

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000904 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/28/2018 TAGS: PREL UN NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/UN: DUTCH VIEWS ON REFORM REF: A. ELDRIDGE-FALLS EMAIL 10-22-2008 ¶B. ELDRIDGE-FALLS EMAIL 10-7-2008 ¶C. SECSTATE 99672 ¶D. THE HAGUE 757 ¶E. THE HAGUE 514 ¶F. THE HAGUE 508 ¶G. THE HAGUE 293 ¶H. 2007 THE HAGUE 2079 ¶I. 2007 THE HAGUE 1939 Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor Andrew C. Mann for reasons 1.5(b,d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: The Dutch want to see the UNSC reformed, even if only for a limited trial period. More generally, they believe UN reforms are progressing but are concerned greater pay flexibility may be needed to boost staffing for UNAMA (the Afghanistan aid mission). On the budget, the Dutch support calls for greater efficiency but note there are new and important UN commitments that deserve funding. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Poloff reviewed reftel C points on UN governance with Peter van der Vliet, Deputy Director of the UN and IFI Department, on October 6. On the Security Council, the Dutch believe the current structure reflects the political situation in 1945. Reforms are need to increase the "legitimacy" of the UNSC in the eyes of the world. The Dutch hope for "real" negotiations during the 63rd UNGA, as the results from the previous year were "confusing." The Dutch are opposed to negotiations in a "never-ending working group." The Dutch could support an interim, 10 or 15-year trial plan for a reformed UNSC, with a return to the current structure if there is no consensus on the way forward. The Dutch asked for clarification of the USG position on the process for negotiations and on the idea of a trial period for a reformed UNSC. Poloff followed up with ref email A points on October 10. ¶3. (C) Regarding other UN reform issues, the Dutch believe there is growing consensus for greater accountability. Even past spoilers like Pakistan and India have been helpful. Moreover, the UNSYG seems to be making progress. However, given the progress to date in making reforms, we "may need time to evaluate the results" to ensure the reforms are beneficial and achieve the desired results. The Dutch are also concerned about the UNSYG's ability to staff UNAMA, due to current pay limitations that hinder recruitment, and asked for the USG position. Poloff followed up with ref email B points on October 29. ¶4. (C) Regarding the UN budget, the Dutch support U.S. calls for greater efficiency. At the same time, there is some confusion about budget "add ons" -- many of the supposed "add ons" simply refect the UN's funding request. In addition, there are some legitimate needs for increased budget support within the UN. For example, the reform plans for the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA) are truly "add ons," but they are supported by the Dutch. DPKO is "hopelessly understaffed," which makes it hard for the Department to both do its job and account for spending. DPA chief Lynn Pascoe is doing a "commendable" job by focusing his department on prevention of conflicts. Van der Vliet said these efforts deserve support, and the Dutch are providing 2.5 million euros in extra funding for mediation and preventive diplomacy. CULBERTSON