VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUCNDT #1066 3182301
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 132301Z NOV 08
FM USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5364

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 001066 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM XF GT UNGA
SUBJECT: UNGA CONSIDERS HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE COORDINATION 
 
REF: USUN NEW YORK 1059 
 
¶1. On November 10-11, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) 
considered the following agenda items:  strengthening of the 
coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance 
of the UN, including special economic assistance; cooperation 
between the UN and the League of Arab States (LAS); the 
situation in Central America:  progress in fashioning a 
region of peace, freedom, democracy and development; the 
appointment of members of the Joint Inspection Unit; the 
situation in Afghanistan (septel); and the Report of the 
International Criminal Court (ICC) (reftel).  The complete 
texts of all U.S. statements can be found at 
www.usunnewyork.usmission.gov. 
 
COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE 
--------------------------------------- 
 
¶2. During consideration of strengthening of the coordination 
of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the UN, a 
majority of speakers expressed support for the Central 
Emergency Response Fund (CERF), and highlighted the 
importance of strengthening developing states' capacity to 
respond to emergencies.  However, many of the developing 
countries noted the need to invest in preparation, including 
technical assistance.  India and Sweden called for a holistic 
disaster management process, with greater attention given to 
prevention efforts.  Delegates agreed that the global food 
and financial crises could have the effect of reducing 
contributions to humanitarian assistance, while the increased 
rate of devastating natural disasters actually necessitated 
greater assistance.  Developing countries in particular urged 
Member States to fulfill pledges to assistance, and the G-77 
and China (via Antigua and Barbuda's intervention), reminded 
the Assembly of its commitment per a previous resolution that 
humanitarian assistance should be provided on the basis of an 
appeal by and consent of the affected country.  France (for 
the European Union), Canada and Russia lamented the 
subordination of humanitarian responses to emergencies to 
"political bargaining."  Many delegates condemned attacks on 
aid workers and urged Member States to take action to avoid 
such acts of violence.  The EU and Switzerland urged 
Membership to facilitate rapid and unimpeded access by 
humanitarian organizations to all victims.  Interventions by 
observers echoed calls for better security and access to 
victims for aid workers. 
 
¶3. The Palestinian observer argued for assistance to the 
Palestinian people.  Echoed by Kuwait and the United Arab 
Emirates, the Palestinian observer demanded that Israel cease 
inhuman practices, lift restrictions on travel to Gaza, and 
cease building the separation wall that has hurt the 
Palestinian economy.  Yemen thanked the Assembly for its 
consensus in passing draft resolution A/63/L.21, regarding 
special economic assistance to Yemen.  In a right of reply 
statement, Burma defended its response to Cyclone Nargis, 
stating that it had responded quickly by land, sea, and air, 
claiming that the relevant international organizations could 
confirm that Burma's response was adequate. 
 
LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES, CENTRAL AMERICA, AND THE JIU 
--------------------------------------------- ------ 
 
¶4. During consideration of cooperation between the UN and the 
LAS, Libya emphasized that strengthened cooperation would 
help further the mutual goals of the two organizations. 
Draft resolution A/63/L.20, which was adopted by consensus, 
called upon the UN and the LAS to focus on their own areas of 
expertise within common goals, and then to consult regularly 
on specific issues.  During consideration of the situation in 
Central America, Guatemala drew the Assembly's attention to 
the work of the International Commission Against Impunity, an 
innovative UN program in Guatemala, which the Guatemalan 
PermRep described as a Guatemalan, rather than UN, 
initiative.  As a principle donor, Spain also spoke in 
support of the Commission.  The consensus resolution (draft 
A/63/L.19) commended the Guatemalan government for 
undertaking this effort to end criminal impunity. 
Appointments to the UN Joint Inspection Unit will take place 
TBD. 
Khalilzad