RENTAL ARREARS FOR THE UNION OF THE COMOROS

UNCLAS STATE 087527 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OFDP PREL CN SUBJECT: RENTAL ARREARS FOR THE UNION OF THE COMOROS MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS ¶1. This is an action message. Please see paras 3 and 4. ¶2. Department has learned from USUN that the Permanent Mission of the Union of the Comoros to the United Nations owes $34,564.94 to Vornado Realty Trust in New York City. The debt is for rent and associated charges for office leased elased at 866 UN Plaza. We understand that the Comoros Mission has not made a rental payment since September 2008. ¶3. Department requests post to demarche the Government of the Comoros (GOC) to urge that funds are sent promptly to the Mission in New York to settle its outstanding arrears. ¶4. Talking points follow: -- The United States Government urges the Government of the Union of the Comoros to settle its overdue arrears of $34,564.94 with Vornado Realty Trust for its UN Mission in New York. -- The Government of the Union of the Comoros bears the full responsibility for providing sufficient funds to maintain all facets of its diplomatic presence at the United Nations in New York. -- We urge the Government of the Union of Comoros to give this matter serious attention and take the necessary steps to settle this debt and routinely pay monthly rent at its UN Mission's Offices as it has agreed to in its lease. CLINTON