SCSL FUNDRAISING

UNCLAS STATE 124688 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KJUS KAWC UN SL NL SUBJECT: SCSL FUNDRAISING ¶1. (U) This is an action request, see paragraph 2. ¶2. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: Department requests that USUN send letters of appeal for voluntary contributions to support financially the Special Court for Sierra Leone to the following Diplomatic Missions to the United Nations: Spain, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Norway, Japan, Republic of Korea, and New Zealand. The Department will undertake a parallel effort to reach out to these capitals through official travel and phone calls to the target countries by S/WCI Ambassador Stephen Rapp. ¶3. (U)Begin text --Insert opening statement-- The Special Court for Sierra Leone has successfully prosecuted and convicted the worst perpetrators of atrocities and war crimes in that country,s tragic civil war. The Special Court is currently in the middle of its most high profile and final case, the trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor. The Special Court is scheduled to complete its mandate by 2011. Holding accountable those who bear the greatest responsibility for the atrocities in Sierra Leone not only promotes stability in the region but also signals a strong demonstration of the international community,s commitment to seeking international criminal justice. The Special Court for Sierra Leone is funded through voluntary contributions. The United States has contributed nearly $70 million to the Special Court since it was established in 2002. The United States expects to contribute by August 2010 approximately $7.5 million to the Special Court for its 2010 budget. However, the Special Court will soon face a funding shortfall and is projected to run out of funds in March of 2010. The international community cannot allow the Special Court to fail at this critical juncture in the Charles Taylor trial. The United States appreciates and recognizes your government,s efforts to promote our common interests in pursuing international justice. Given our shared interest, the United States requests your government show its continued commitment to international justice by making a financial contribution to the Special Court for Sierra Leone. END ACTION REQUEST. CLINTON