US embassy cable - 04BRUSSELS3205

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRUSSELS 003205 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/27/2014 
TAGS: PREF, PHUM, PREL, EUN, USEU BRUSSELS 
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON REPLACEMENT FOR UNRWA COMMISSIONER 
GENERAL:  EU RESPONSE 
 
REF: STATE 159245 
 
Classified By: Political Officer Maren Smith for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d 
). 
 
1. (C) On July 27, PRM Assistant delivered reftel points to 
Desk Officer for UNRWA Christian Berger in the Commission's 
External Relations Directorate-General.  Berger candidly 
remarked that despite a fair performance as UNRWA COMGEN, 
Peter Hansen's welcome has waned. Berger cautioned that 
rumors of Hansen seeking a fourth term continue to circulate 
and could place pressure on donors to push hard for an 
alternative.  He warned that should the rumors bear fruit, 
the EU would likely shy away from actively seeking a 
replacement.  He added, however, that if the U.S. wished to 
push for an alternative despite Hansen's desire for 
reinstatement, the EU would follow suit.  Unfortunately, the 
EU has yet to discuss possible replacements very seriously, 
and Berger stressed that the EU would welcome any serious USG 
suggestions at this point. 
 
2. (C) Poloff also discussed reftel points with Morten 
Knudsen of the Council Secretariat's UN unit on July 27. 
Knudsen had no comment on either Hansen or specific 
successors.  He told us that the EU reviews upcoming UN 
appointments during its regular UN working group meetings; 
although EU members agree on a common approach in some cases, 
decisions are frequently left to member-states.  He said that 
the EU would probably discuss UNRWA candidates at the next 
working group meeting, which will be held in New York in 
September. 
SAMMIS