APPROVED BUILDING BLOCKS FOR U.S. INTERVENTION AT

UNCLAS STATE 015253 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KUNR UNGA UNSC SUBJECT: APPROVED BUILDING BLOCKS FOR U.S. INTERVENTION AT THE LAUNCH OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATIONS ¶1. (U) USUN should draw from the building blocks in para 2 during U.S. intervention in the debate on UN Security Council reform in the General Assembly on February 19, 2009. Department requests that post re-clear the final statement if it is significantly and substantively different from the building blocks below. ¶2. (SBU) Following are Department-approved building blocks. BEGIN BUILDING BLOCKS -- The United States believes that the long-term legitimacy and viability of the UN Security Council depend on it reflecting the world of the 21st century. -- We will make a serious, deliberate effort, consulting with key allies and capitals, to find a way forward that enhances the ability of the Security Council to carry out its mandate and effectively meet the challenges of the new century. -- The United States is not linking Security Council reform to other aspects of UN reform. We view both as important and will pursue them in tandem. -- We support expansion of the Security Council in a way that will not diminish its effectiveness and its efficiency. -- We have not taken a position on any specific configuration, though it would be hard to imagine a Security Council enlargement that does not include Japan. END BUILDING BLOCKS CLINTON