HOST COUNTRY COMMITTEE TO REVIEW PARKING PROGRAMME INSTITUTED FOR DIPLOMATIC VEHICLES IN NEW YORK

Committee on Relations

with Host Country

219^th Meeting (PM)

HOST COUNTRY COMMITTEE TO REVIEW PARKING PROGRAMME

INSTITUTED FOR DIPLOMATIC VEHICLES IN NEW YORK

Annual Report Approved, Stressing Importance

Of Positive Public Perception of United Nations Organization

Approving its annual report this afternoon, the Committee on Relations with the Host Country decided to conduct a detailed review of the Parking Programme for Diplomatic Vehicles instituted in New York, one year into its operation.

The report was approved without a vote, as orally revised, after introduction by the Committee Rapporteur.  It states that the decision to conduct the review was consistent with the opinion handed down by the Legal Counsel on implementation of the Programme.  Since United Nations permanent missions were reporting problems in connection with the Programme, the review would be undertaken to ensure proper implementation in a manner that was fair, non-discriminatory, effective and consistent with international law.

Further, by the report, the Committee would request the host country to bring the reported problems to the attention of New York City officials.  It would stress the importance of a positive public perception of the United Nations and urge that efforts continue for impressing on all people the importance of the role the United Nations played in the strengthening of international peace and security.

The Committee would also recall its role in advising the host country on issues arising from the Agreement between the United Nations and United States regarding Headquarters, in anticipation of timeliness in issuance of entry visas and removal of travel restrictions.

Finally, the Committee would stress the importance of permanent missions and United Nations personnel meeting their financial obligations.  It would also reiterate its appreciation to the appropriate representatives at the United States Mission and its Host Country Affairs Section, as well as to those at the New York Commission, for efforts to accommodate the diplomatic community and promote understanding between it and the people of New York City.

The representative of Cyprus reported that consultations had been held among delegations on the draft report over the past week.  It had been accepted by consensus.  He hoped it would be adopted as such.

The representative of Mali said he was unhappy with the Parking Programme since his Mission was confronted with specific problems.  He wanted his concerns entered in the official record of today’s meeting.

The representative of Cuba spoke on a technical matter.

The Committee on Relations with the Host Country was established in 1971 to deal with the security of diplomatic missions accredited to the United Nations, the safety of their personnel, and responsibilities with regard to diplomatic delegations.  Other questions considered by the Committee include diplomatic privileges and immunities; transportation and parking; housing; activities to assist the diplomatic community; and public relations on behalf of United Nations aims within the community.

Current Committee members are Bulgaria, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, France, Honduras, Hungary, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Russian Federation, Senegal, Spain, United Kingdom and the host country, United States.

The Committee Chairman is currently Andreas Mavroyiannis (Cyprus).  The Vice-Chairmen are the representatives of Bulgaria, Canada and Côte d’Ivoire.  Emilia Castro de Barish (Costa Rica) serves as Rapporteur.  A representative of the host country attends Bureau meetings ex officio.

Participating in today’s meeting as observers were the representatives of Antigua and Barbuda, Greece, Grenada, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Japan, Portugal, Tunisia, Turkey and Viet Nam.

Also present at this afternoon’s meeting was Bradford Billet, Deputy Commissioner of New York City.

The Committee’s next meeting will be at a time and date to be announced in the Journal.

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