POLAND - UN HARMONIZATION OF SERVICES DEMARCHE

UNCLAS WARSAW 001419 SENSITIVE SIPDIS IO/MPR/SC - HEATHER WARD, USUN/MR - MICHAEL SCANLON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT AORC APER PL PREL UNGA UNGA SUBJECT: POLAND - UN HARMONIZATION OF SERVICES DEMARCHE REF: STATE 129988 ¶1. (SBU) While not familiar with the U.S. proposal for the harmonization of conditions of service at the UN, MFA UN Department Counselor Dariusz Manczyk told poloff December 15 he is familiar with the current system's problems. Manczyk was pessimistic about the prospects for a quick solution. Developing countries have little interest in reforms since they are not major contributors to UN budgets. Manczyk, who was previously assigned to the GoP's UN missions in Geneva and New York, undertook to study the U.S. proposal and to consult with Polish officials in New York. ¶2. (SBU) Manczyk said he assumed we would also want to discuss the salary increase requested by UN tribunal judges. He argued that the request is unreasonable because judges already earn high wages compared to others in the UN system. He lamented that developing countries support the raises because they do not have to pay for them. ASHE