MEETING WITH SUSAN MCCLURG, CHAIR OF THE ACABQ

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000252

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ACABQ KUNR UNGA UNGA
SUBJECT: MEETING WITH SUSAN MCCLURG, CHAIR OF THE ACABQ


1. SUMMARY: Ambassador Rice met March 9 with Susan McClurg
(Amcit),Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative
and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ),to discuss the overall work
of the Committee and its role in considering administrative
and budgetary proposals of the UN as well as advising the
General Assembly. McClurg outlined items the ACABQ is
currently considering, such as the logistic support package
for the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM),and other matters it
will consider in the coming months. In addition, she gave
her perspective on the dynamics and positions within the
Committee. McClurg also shared her views on how U.S.
engagement in budget matters within the United Nations,
specifically within the Fifth Committee, is perceived by
other Member States. END SUMMARY.


2. Susan McClurg opened the meeting by explaining the role of
the ACABQ and its responsibilities in reviewing
administrative and budgetary proposals as well as audit
reports and providing recommendations to the General
Assembly. McClurg stated the goal of the ACABQ is to provide
recommendations that can serve as a basis for a consensus
agreement.


3. McClurg gave her outlook on how the logistical support
package for AMISOM would play out in the ACABQ. She indicated
that the Secretary General's initial request to grant the
Secretariat commitment authority of $50 million to jump-start
the mission would be recommended for approval by the ACABQ.
However, McClurg indicated that the second request to approve
the complete budget through June or August would be a tough
sell, but in the end, she believes the Committee will
recommend approval. She deferred on how the issue would play
out in the 5th Committee. McClurg confirmed that the
equipment used for UNMEE will be used by AMISOM and is in the
process of being shipped or has already been shipped.


4. McClurg then shared her views on other items the Committee
is considering or will be considering such as peacekeeping
missions (UNMIS, UNAMID, MINUCRCAT, UNFICYP, UNIFIL, UNDOF,
etc); the peacekeeping support account; status report on the
restructuring of DPKO/DFS; further requests for IT upgrades;
additional resources for security improvements and the
2010-2011 regular budget to be considered in the Fall;.
McClurg mentioned that the Secretary General had instructed
program managers and department heads to reduce their budgets
by 2% when preparing the 2010-2011 budget.


5. Regarding U.S. engagement on budget matters within the
United Nations, McClurg expressed concern over what she sees
as a lack of leadership by the U.S. in the Fifth Committee on
budget matters as well as concern with the style in which the
U.S. has engaged in the past. She stated that other Member
States look to the U.S. for leadership on many issues and
believes it hurts the U.S. when we don't engage early on in
the issues. She also cited our regular budget and
peacekeeping budget arrears as another area where the U.S.
continually takes hits from other Member States. McClurg
encouraged the Mission at the highest levels to lay out the
U.S. position on the regular budget and peacekeeping budget,
including the arrearage issue, at the earliest opportunity.
Wolff