AMB RICE MEETS PSIDS PERM REPS TO DISCUSS CLIMATE

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 001098 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KGHG UNGA XV SUBJECT: AMB RICE MEETS PSIDS PERM REPS TO DISCUSS CLIMATE CHANGE ¶1. (SBU) Summary: On November 30, Ambassador Rice met with the Permanent Representatives from the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) at their request to discuss the security implications of climate change, the upcoming Conference of Parties meeting in Copenhagen and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). PSIDS sought U.S. assistance to get the Security Council to revisit the issue of climate change and also raised issues about PSIDS access to climate financing. Rice reviewed the recently announced USG greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. She closed by thanking the delegates for their continued support for the Third Committee human rights resolutions and sought their support for the upcoming plenary votes. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) Nauru PR Moses began by thanking Ambassador Rice for facilitating the meeting between PSIDS heads of state and Secretary Clinton in September. She expressed both gratitude and expectations for U.S. leadership noting that, if the United States does not engage on a global issue, it does not move forward. Palau PR Beck said that PSIDS would like the Security Council to revisit the security implications of climate change early next year post-Copenhagen, particularly after the recent Secretary-General report that extensively documented these issues. He urged the United States to pave the way for such a discussion. ¶3. (SBU). Ambassador Rice noted that the United States did not need convincing of the security implications of climate change and that the USG is in agreement both philosophically and substantively with the PSIDS on this issue. She pressed the Permanent Representatives to elaborate what substantive outcome they would seek to achieve in the Security Council. Beck offered as one idea a Rapporteur to gather data and address issues such as climate "refugees." Rice recommended developing more concrete ideas, as well as undertaking greater due diligence to establish the Council's appetite to address the issue, especially with new incoming members. She also noted historic resistance from China and Russia. She suggested the PSIDS take the lead and brainstorm internally to develop ideas further. She also noted that appointing a Rapporteur did not require Security Council intervention. ¶4. (SBU) With regards to the Conference of Parties meeting in Copenhagen, Ambassador Rice took the opportunity to reinforce the recent White House announcement regarding President Obama's plans to attend the Summit, citing USG commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, 30 percent by 2030, and 83 percent by 2050). Rice expressed concern regarding the dynamics within the G-77 which was producing brinksmanship and maximalist demands, and she strongly urged their help to introduce greater seriousness and rationality in G-77 negotiations. ¶5. (SBU) Marshall Islands PR Muller raised the issue of financing and the fear among PSIDS that they would lose out on fast track financing, and asked for U.S. assistance in securing access to new financing. Papua New Guinea PR Aisi raised the difficulties PSIDS are facing in getting funds from Global Environment Facility (GEF),stating that a bulk of the money is spent on consultants and reports, and also noted that the deadlines were problematic. At Ambassador Rice's request, he agreed to provide further details and recommendations on how to improve the GEF process later. ¶6. (SBU) The meeting closed with Ambassador Rice thanking the PSIDS for their support in the General Assembly, especially Third Committee resolutions on Burma, North Korea, and Iran, as well as those on the Middle East. She noted that what the United States had to offer was friendship and a principled stance while other Member States may offer other inducements. ¶7. (U) The following PSIDS officials were in attendance: Micronesia Permanent Representative (PR) Masao Nakayama, Marshall Islands PR Phillip Muller, Nauru PR Marlene Moses, Palau PR Stuart Beck, Papua New Guinea PR Robert Aisi, Samoa PR Feturi Elisaia, Tonga PR Sonatane Taumepeau-Tupou, Vanuatu PR Donald Kalpokas, and Tuvalu Charge Samuelu Laloniu. RICE