Cablegate: 243rd Meeting of the Un Committee On Relations

VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUCNDT #0903 2862124
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 132124Z OCT 09
FM USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7329
INFO RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 1370

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

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