Mrs. Ogata was reserved. Kreczko said PRM is in an information gathering mode and is seeking input from various agencies, with emphasis on field staff who regularly come into contact with displaced populations. More work should be done to elevate the Guiding Principles that Dr. Deng established with regard to internally displaced persons. Kreczko wrapped up his presentation by reviewing the potential difficulties in creating a lead agency for internally displaced persons. Critics argue that other agencies are likely to resist coordination and often denounce lead agencies for taking on too much responsibility and not delegating well.
Opponents respond that without a lead agency there can be no real accountability.
Kreczko said that PRM is engaged in sorting out these issues and welcomes input. Cohen noted Ambassador Holbrooke s motivations springing from his visit to Angola, where he came into contact with internally displaced people and witnessed their neglect by the international community. Cohen used Angola as an example of a humanitarian effort lacking coordination, where people were given some food assistance but refused protection by international organizations. Cohen moved on to evaluate the viability of the proposal and concludes that it is not a realistic plan. Holbrooke has given the debate new visibility.