DEMARCHE DELIVERED - SUPPORTING NGO INVOLVEMENT AT

UNCLAS MANILA 001419 SIPDIS STATE FOR IO/RHS COLLEEN NEVILLE USUN FOR BRIAN YOUNG E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL RP SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED - SUPPORTING NGO INVOLVEMENT AT THE UNITED NATIONS REF: STATE 68551 ¶1. Post discussed reftel points with DFA's Office of United Nations and Other International Organizations (UNIO) Director Leah Ruiz, emphasizing U.S. opposition to the recommendation of the UN Committee on Nongovernmental Organizations to deny accreditation to the Democracy Coalition Project (DCP) and the Dynamic Christian World Mission Foundation U.S.A (DCWMF). Post provided a copy of reftel talking points and urged the Philippines to support consultative status for DCP at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC),and the referral of the DCWMF's application back to the NGO Committee. ¶2. Director Ruiz responded that senior officials in DFA are conferring on this matter and have requested information and recommendations from their diplomatic posts abroad to help them achieve a consensus decision. She assured Post that DFA would consider carefully the U.S. position, but she was quick to stress that the Philippines has a long-standing preference for consensus-oriented outcomes in international fora. ¶3. Given the Philippines' traditional reliance on consensus, especially with members of the ASEAN and OIC blocs, it is not clear whether the Philippines will support the U.S. position on NGO involvement at the UN, unless ASEAN's ECOSOC members indicate they too will support the U.S. Post will continue to engage with DFA to ascertain the Philippine government's position on reftel points and to press for a positive outcome. KENNEY