FINLAND SEEKS TOP UNODC JOB

UNCLAS UNVIE VIENNA 000323

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KCRM PREL PTER SNAR EAID UN AF PK CA RU IR UK FI

SUBJECT: FINLAND SEEKS TOP UNODC JOB

REF: A) UNVIE 296
B) STATE 057099
C) UNVIE 159

--------------
SUMMARY
--------------


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Finland's Ministry of Justice is considering
naming its Director of International Affairs, Matti Joutsen, as a
candidate to replace UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa,
who is lobbying for an extension after his second term expires in
May 2010 (Reftels). As several EU countries (UK, the Netherlands and
Norway) have indicated their opposition to Costa's extension based
on the two term-limit principle, the politicking for Costa's
potential replacement can be expected to intensify. END SUMMARY.

--------------
The Joutsen Exploratory Committee
--------------


2. (SBU) In a July 6 phone call, Finland's Ambassador to the UN in
Vienna, Kirsti Kauppi, told Charg that Finland's Ministry of
Justice is considering announcing its Director of International
Affairs, Matti Joutsen, as a candidate to replace UNODC Executive
Director Antonio Maria Costa. Kauppi touted Joutsen's law
enforcement credentials, exemplified by his work on the Crime
Commission, where he supported efforts to combat violence against
women. She added that Helsinki will soon decide whether or not to
put forward Joutsen as a candidate, acknowledging that his lack of
experience with drug issues was a potential weakness. Responding to
Kauppi's query, Charg shared the U.S. view of opposition to a Costa
extension (Ref B),emphasizing this is an "if asked" position. When
Charg noted Swedish Ambassador Hans Lundborg's rumored interest in
the post, Kauppi said it was her understanding that Lundborg was not
interested in the business or travel associated with the position.


3. (SBU) Mission previously reported that the UK shared the US
position on term limits (Ref A). At the closed session of the Major
Donors meeting on July 1, Netherlands raised the issue of Costa's
extension, and voiced its opposition. Norway seconded Netherland's
position. Both stressed the importance of upholding the two-term
limit principle for senior UN positions, as required by UNGA
resolution A/RES/51/241 (Ref B). However, they also seemed at a
loss of what to do, noting the UN Secretary General (SYG) alone
makes the nomination to these senior positions.


4. (SBU) Comment: Mission has had contact with Joutsen on UN crime
issues, and considers him to be steeped in the core issues of UNODC,
especially crime control, but lacking the diplomatic and leadership
skills required of an Executive Director to advance such issues.
Mission will further inquire about Sweden's intention regarding
Costa's position and would welcome insights from Embassy Stockholm.
We also believe the SYG's push for gender balance will play a part
in his decision, should a qualified woman candidate come along. In
any case, the politicking for the position, whether from Costa, or
another candidate, can be expected to intensify. End Comment.