CHILE's UNGA 64 Goals and Objectives

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000850 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNGA CI SUBJECT: CHILE's UNGA 64 Goals and Objectives REF: STATE 90254 ¶1. (SBU) Poloffs delivered reftel demarche on UNGA 64 goals and objectives to Ambassador Juan Eguiguren, Director of Multilateral Affairs. Poloffs emphasized the Obama Administration's commitment to re-engagement with the international community and highlighted the following issues: non-proliferation and disarmament, peacekeeping, the Israeli-Palestinian issue, Afghanistan, the Human Rights Council, economic growth, gender issues, climate change, and UN management. ¶2. (SBU) Ambassador Eguiguren praised the U.S. commitment to re-engagement. He noted that the United States and Chile share similar goals on many issues and added that Chile sees human rights and Security Council reform as important issues. Eguiguren also made the following observations: PRIORITIES LINKED TO SECURITY OF STATES -------------- -- U.S. ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty would be very important and a positive sign to the international community. -- The nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament meeting on September 24 is extremely important. -- Chile is especially interested in peacekeeping issues because of its contribution in Haiti. Eguiguren noted the need to move from peacekeeping to peace-building in Haiti and emphasized the importance of capable police forces. When asked if Chile would ever contribute to peacekeeping efforts outside the hemisphere, Eguiguren said it would be difficult but not impossible. -- The Middle East issue is particularly important for Chile because of its large Palestinian population. Chile recognizes that many resolutions are biased against Israel but is looking for the United States to lead on the peace process. PRIORITIES LINKED TO HUMAN SECURITY -------------- -- Explicit U.S. endorsement of the Millennium Development Goals would be very well received by Chile, which has devoted considerable resources to goals four and five under the Bachelet Administration. -- Chile actively supports gender issues and will work to mainstream gender into the Human Rights Council. GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT AND UN MANAGEMENT -------------- -- U.S. engagement on environmental issues, specifically climate change, is an extremely positive step forward. While other countries are complaining about the Secretary General's September 22 event, Chile thinks the event can make a positive contribution to the UNFCCC process. -- Chile understands the difficulty of meeting UN financial obligations and is against increases. SIMONS