Morning Multilateralism

Thursday, August 6 2020

Photo Credit: U.S. Department of State

• As early as next week, the United States may put forward a draft resolution seeking to extend the United Nations arms embargo on Iran. The proposed measure appears to have little chance of passage, as China and Russia have already pledged to veto it. If the draft does fail, it appears likely that the United States will attempt to trigger a broader “snapback” of UN sanctions. In June, the three European members of the Council warned that they would not support such an attempt.

• A public health expert has suggestions for reforming the World Health Organization, including a narrower mandate, more flexible funding, and greater transparency. Meanwhile, the WHO is boosting its presence in South Africa to help combat Covid-19. A “surge team” of several dozen experts will soon be en route:

  The surge team is expected to contribute to national efforts in key response areas including surveillance and streamlining of epidemiological systems and WHO global COVID-19 response guidelines, improved case management, leading to a reduced hospital burden and increased community buy-in resulting in greater compliance to public health measures.

• United Nations experts update the Security Council on North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. Among other findings, the panel reportedly sees signs that Pyongyang can now mount warheads on missiles. Expert reports like these have often been fodder for disagreement between Council members, including over sources of information and whether reports should be made public. This one appears no different. Via the Associated Press:

  “China and the Russian Federation responded that the report was based on assumptions and estimations, and the information and evidence was insufficient to conclude that the ceiling had been exceeded,” the panel said. “The United States responded that the evidence was robust in quality and quantity and sufficient.”

• Ecuador is shopping for new international financing, including from the International Monetary fund and the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank. In May, the IMF provided emergency funding to aid in the pandemic response. But the relationship between the Fund and Quito has been strained since IMF-encouraged cuts to fuel subsidies prompted national protests last year.

• Operation Nanook: Danish, French, and U.S. vessels are joining a Canadian operation in the Arctic. Canada and the United States often cooperate on Arctic issues, but they also differ over the legal status of the Northwest Passage, which Canada considers internal waters. U.S. officials have even floated the possibility of a “freedom of navigation” operation in the region.

• Earlier this week, I noted that the United States was objecting to China’s bid to secure a judgeship on the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. The Global Times provides a Chinese view of that criticism:

  China has a wide range of distinguished diplomats. China pays great attention to international organizations, and hopes to speak on behalf of the developing countries. Therefore, the Chinese candidate nominated to be the judge of ITLOS must be capable of this position. 

• Very briefly noted:

  • The United States urges UN members to oppose Cuba’s bid for a seat on the Human Rights Council.

  • An examination of the World Trade Organization’s travails—and possible paths to revival.

  • The World Bank proclaims its readiness to aid the recovery effort in Lebanon (noting that Lebanon and the IMF have been in difficult negotiations).

  • Assessing the competition to revamp NATO’s fleet of early warning aircraft.