NEW LIBERIAN PERMREP ASKS U.S. THOUGHTS ON A

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 001019 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL UNSC XY LI SUBJECT: NEW LIBERIAN PERMREP ASKS U.S. THOUGHTS ON A PEACEBUILDING PROGRAM ¶1. (SBU) During her courtesy call on Ambassador Rice on November 2, new Liberian Permanent Representative Marjon Kamara expressed anxiety at the potential for an accelerated UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) drawdown. Kamara said she was concerned with Liberia's security sector, noting that rule of law was problematic and that the Liberian people had no confidence in the Liberia National Police force. Rice said that the U.S. would continue to work to prevent a precipitous drawdown, but noted that UNMIL would not remain in Liberia forever. Rice also said that with the 2011 elections approaching rapidly, it was important to address Liberia's long-term developmental and security sector needs now. ¶2. (SBU) Ambassador Kamara asked if Liberia would be better off with a peacebuilding program. Ambassador Rice responded that, if it could be configured to add value without repetitive planning or onerous reporting requirements, a peacebuilding program had the potential to address Liberia's long-term needs. Rice also noted that South Korea had expressed interest in chairing a country-specific peacebuilding program for Liberia. Kamara said she would continue to research the viability of a such a program. ¶3. (SBU) Ambassador Kamara conveyed her foreign minister's concerns that the creation of a new "gender architecture" (the efforts to unify UN programs on women's issues into one entity) could result in African officials losing positions in the UN. Ambassador Rice noted that this new entity would present a great opportunity for strong, capable African women to help lead and direct it. ¶4. (SBU) In conclusion, Ambassador Rice thanked Liberia for its strong support in the General Assembly, which Ambassador Kamara promised would continue. Rice