AMBASSADOR RICE MEETS UNDER SECRETARY-GENERAL

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000357 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNGA SOCI UN SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR RICE MEETS UNDER SECRETARY-GENERAL CHEICK SIDI DIARRA ¶1. On April 2, Special Advisor for Africa and Under Secretary-General Cheick Sidi Diarra briefed Ambassador Rice on his office's support for implementation of the New Partnership for African Development (NePAD). As Diarra's office is mandated by the General Assembly to provide "global advocacy" for the 104 Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing States, and Small Island Developing States, he also discussed the impact of the current financial crisis on achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in these countries. ¶2. Diarra expressed concern about the level of ODA from OECD countries trending down after 2006.For landlocked developing countries, he noted the need for international assistance in building transportation infrastructure and said that his office facilitated opportunities for dialogue between landlocked and transit countries. He characterized small island states as most concerned about the "existential" impact of climate change through the rise in sea level and increasing shortages of potable water. ¶3. Ambassador Rice urged U/SG Diarra to consider stabilizing mechanisms and report on the quality of governance in LDCs as a tool for encouraging these countries to strengthen good governance and provide a better climate for development. Diarra asked if the US would consider dropping a reference to Responsibility to Protect in negotiations on a General Assembly resolution on causes of conflict in Africa, noting that swift passage of the resolution would enable his office to begin work on a comprehensive follow-up report (and hire additional staff). Ambassador Rice noted that Responsibility to Protect is an important and timely concept that was recognized by all UN member states in the 2005 World Summit Outcome document and failure to acknowledge it in this year's Causes of Conflict resolution would send an adverse signal on the UN's commitment to Responsibility to Protect as an international norm. Rice