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