VZCZCXRO1270
PP RUEHAP RUEHKN RUEHKR RUEHMJ RUEHPB
DE RUEHC #7757/01 2280105
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 150059Z AUG 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHAP/AMEMBASSY APIA PRIORITY 1145
RUEHLM/AMEMBASSY COLOMBO PRIORITY 3949
RUEHKN/AMEMBASSY KOLONIA PRIORITY 1743
RUEHKR/AMEMBASSY KOROR PRIORITY 1389
RUEHMJ/AMEMBASSY MAJURO PRIORITY 6367
RUEHML/AMEMBASSY MANILA PRIORITY 7526
RUEHPL/AMEMBASSY PORT LOUIS PRIORITY 2129
RUEHPB/AMEMBASSY PORT MORESBY PRIORITY 1085
RUEHSV/AMEMBASSY SUVA PRIORITY 7167
INFO RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA PRIORITY 2075
RUEHWL/AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON PRIORITY 5790
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 2771

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 087757 
 
SIPDIS 
COLOMBO FOR MALDIVES 
PORT LOUIS FOR SEYCHELLES 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: UNGA SENV AORC KGHG UNGA
SUBJECT: INSTRUCTIONS TO DISCUSS PSIDS UNGA RESOLUTION ON 
CLIMATE CHANGE 
 
REF: STATE 82276 
 
¶1. This is an Action Request.  Please see paragraphs 5 - 7. 
 
¶2. Objective: We want the Pacific Small Island Developing 
States (PSIDS) to consolidate discussion of their proposed 
resolution for the current UN General Assembly (UNGA 62) into 
the Second Committee of the next General Assembly (UNGA 63) 
in the fall and to remove the call for UN Security Council 
action from their proposed language. 
 
¶3. Background: The group of Pacific Small Island Developing 
States (PSIDS) at the United Nations in New York, led by 
Tonga and Palau, are tabling a draft UNGA resolution on "The 
threat of climate change to international peace and 
security."  The resolution requests the UN Security Council 
to consider and address the threat posed by climate change to 
international peace and security, as well as requesting a UN 
report on the peace and security implications of climate 
change.  Informal negotiations on the draft text are 
scheduled for August, with UNGA 62 action planned for 
September 8.  UNGA 63 begins September 22. 
 
¶4. USG Position: The USG wants to work constructively with 
the PSIDS, and we understand their concerns over climate 
change.  However, we do not support UN Security Council 
action on this subject because it is not the appropriate 
venue.  The Security Council already has a plethora of 
pressing matters that threaten peace and security.  We 
respect the traditional definition of peace and security 
issues and do not wish to expand their meaning.  The USG also 
wants to allow time for the UN Framework Convention on 
Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations on a post - 2012 
agreement to run their course; the UNFCCC outcome will 
supersede any other recommendations.  If the implications of 
climate change that are related to peace and security should 
be discussed, this discussion should take place in the GA's 
Second Committee, at the same time as other climate change 
matters are addressed.  Additionally, the resolution should 
not request action by the Security Council.  Thus, we are 
willing to reach an agreement with the PSIDS that addresses 
some of their needs in the Second Committee of UNGA 63, but 
that stops short of calling for UNSC action.  For additional 
information, see reftel. 
 
¶5. Posts are requested to approach appropriate government 
officials to convey and seek support for the U.S. position. 
Washington would be interested in Post's assessment of the 
degree of political support in capitals for this initiative 
by their representatives in New York. 
 
¶6. Posts may wish to draw from the following points: 
 
-- We recognize the seriousness of global climate change and 
the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, 
enhancing energy security and promoting sustainable 
development. 
 
--We fully support UN efforts to address climate change, in 
particular the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and 
are committed to reaching conclusions under the UNFCCC on an 
economically sustainable and environmentally effective global 
framework to address the challenges of climate change. 
 
-- We value our close and historic ties with Pacific Island 
Nations.  Secretary Rice's meetings with Pacific Ministers 
last month in Samoa demonstrate the importance we place on 
these relations.  Indeed, much of their conversation was 
about climate change and renewable energy. 
 
-- We have strong reservations on the implications of the 
content of such a resolution, specifically whether this issue 
is appropriate for the Security Council. 
 
-- The Security Council already has a full agenda of matters 
 
STATE 00087757  002 OF 002 
 
 
that are very clearly immediate threats to international 
peace and security. 
 
-- UN bodies and international venues, with the appropriate 
mandates and expertise are already actively and seriously 
addressing issues related to climate change.  The U.S. will 
continue our leadership role, engaging with other nations on 
these issues through our bilateral and regional initiatives 
and at appropriate multilateral meetings. 
 
-- Further, we do not want additional UN action to detract 
from on-going UNFCCC negotiations, whose outcomes will 
supersede other decisions. 
 
-- However, in light of our close ties with the PSIDS and 
their strong support in the United Nations and on 
peacekeeping activities, we plan to fully engage and work 
cooperatively towards a mutually agreeable outcome. 
 
-- If additional resolution language on climate change is 
truly needed, the Second Committee is a more appropriate 
venue to discuss this; experts from capitals typically 
negotiate the regular climate change resolution during the 
fall session.  Consolidating discussion on the PSIDS climate 
resolution with the annual Second Committee resolution will 
take advantage of this expertise. 
 
-- As this UNGA runs its course during the summer months, 
attention is focused elsewhere.  Addressing this in the fall 
also ensures more robust engagement.  Further, the Second 
Committee's tradition of consensus ensures fruitful 
discussions. 
 
-- We also encourage the Permanent Representatives in NY to 
work together to address this issue without requesting 
Security Council action. 
 
¶7. Please slug responses to IO/EDA Rebecca Webber 
(WebberRE@state.gov). 
RICE