243RD MEETING OF THE UN COMMITTEE ON RELATIONS

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000903 SIPDIS IO/UNP FOR S. EDMONDSON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OFDP PREL CU ML RS SUBJECT: 243RD MEETING OF THE UN COMMITTEE ON RELATIONS WITH THE HOST COUNTRY ¶1. The UN Committee on Relations with the Host Country held its 243rd meeting on October 2, 2009. Cypriot PermRep Hadjimichael chaired the meeting in which the following issues were raised: NYC PARKING VIOLATIONS ¶2. The Cuban delegate reported that a mission driver was unable to park in one of its Mission's dedicated spaces because an NYPD vehicle was occupying the space. The Cuban vehicle then received a parking ticket. USUN/HC MinCouns acknowledged that USUN had received the Cuban complaint in writing and noted that the mission had contested the parking ticket. He suggested that the mission wait to see if the violation is dismissed. ¶3. The Mali delegate expressed his frustration with the parking program, and complained that Malian vehicles were being ticketed while parked in their assigned parking spaces. He said that the mission was able to fit three vehicles in its two assigned spaces and that he could not understand why these vehicles, which had diplomatic plates identifying them with the mission, were constantly issued parking tickets. USUN/HC MinCouns pointed out that according to the Parking Program, vehicles must have the required decals to park legally in those designated spaces. He noted that incoming diplomats may not always take the time to read the parking program, but rules governing the NYC Diplomatic Parking Program had been carefully worked out, and that the UN Legal Counsel had reviewed the program and determined that it was in accordance with host country obligations. He offered to discuss the matter further with the Mali delegate after the meeting to clarify aspects of what is a very comprehensive program. TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ¶4. Russian Federation congratulated USDel for the enormous amount of support the host country had given all delegations during the visit of numerous Heads of State/Government for the 64th UN General Debate. He then raised the issue of travel restrictions affecting diplomats at the Russian mission and at the UN Secretariat, and the requirement that they notify the US of travel beyond 25 miles of Columbus Circle. He noted that despite the issue having been raised in previous meetings, there had been no progress in addressing the problem, and indicated that his Mission would likely want to discuss this matter in the near future. ¶5. The Chair announced the next meeting of the Committee would take place on November 2, 2009 to adopt the Committee's annual report. RICE