Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
02ROME6072
2002-12-19 16:13:00
SECRET
Embassy Rome
Cable title:
CURRENT FOOD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN IRAQ
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
S E C R E T ROME 006072
SIPDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
STATE FOR PRM, EUR/WE, EUR/NE, SA/INS, IO/D
USAID FOR A/AID, AA/DCHA, DCHA/OFDA, DCHA/FFP, AA/ANE,
PPC/DP, PPC/DC
USDA/AS OR U/S PENN
GENEVA OR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
USUN OR MLUTZ
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2012
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF WFPAORC WFPAORC WFPAORC WFP
SUBJECT: CURRENT FOOD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN IRAQ
REF: ROME 6045
CLASSIFIED BY: AMBASSADOR TONY HALL FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D).
--------
SUMMARY
---------
S E C R E T ROME 006072
SIPDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
STATE FOR PRM, EUR/WE, EUR/NE, SA/INS, IO/D
USAID FOR A/AID, AA/DCHA, DCHA/OFDA, DCHA/FFP, AA/ANE,
PPC/DP, PPC/DC
USDA/AS OR U/S PENN
GENEVA OR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
USUN OR MLUTZ
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2012
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF WFPAORC WFPAORC WFPAORC WFP
SUBJECT: CURRENT FOOD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN IRAQ
REF: ROME 6045
CLASSIFIED BY: AMBASSADOR TONY HALL FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D).
--------------
SUMMARY
--------------
1. (S) THE CURRENT OIL FOR FOOD (OFF) DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
IN IRAQ DELIVERS FOOD TO ALL IRAQIS. IN THE MONTH OF
NOVEMBER, 25.8 MILLION BENEFICIARIES RECEIVED A FOOD RATION
FROM 49,000 SMALL SHOPS THAT SERVE AS THE DISTRIBUTION
SECRET
PAGE 03 ROME 06072 01 OF 04 191634Z
POINTS. WHOLE-GRAIN WHEAT IS IMPORTED AND MILLED INTO FLOUR
INSIDE IRAQ. THE U.N. WORLD FOOD PROGRAM (WFP) OVERSEES THE
DISTRIBUTIONS IN THE SOUTH/CENTRAL REGIONS AND PLAYS A MORE
INTEGRAL ROLE IN THE WHOLE PROCESS IN THE THREE NORTHERN
GOVERNORATES. UNDER THE OFF PROGRAM, WFP DOES NOT TENDER FOR
THE PURCHASE OF ANY FOOD, CONTRACTS NO OUTSIDE TRANSPORT, AND
INSIDE IRAQ, CONTRACTS TRANSPORT ONLY FOR THE THREE NORTHERN
GOVERNORATES, WORKS WITH NO NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
(NGOS) FOR THE GENERAL DISTRIBUTION, DOES NOT ACTUALLY
CONDUCT ANY DISTRIBUTIONS--EVEN IN THE NORTH, AND DOES NOT
MANAGE THE FOOD PIPELINE. ALL THESE FACTORS IMPACT WFP'S
ABILITY TO GEAR UP QUICKLY IF THE GOVERNMENT OF IRAQ'S (GOI)
ROLE IN THE OFF SYSTEM COLLAPSED. WFP HAS VAST EXPERIENCE IN
ALL THESE AREAS, BUT IT WOULD TAKE TIME TO MOUNT SUCH AN
OPERATION. THE INITIAL WFP RATION, TARGETED TO THE MOST
VULNERABLE, WOULD CONSIST OF ITS STANDARD EMERGENCY RATION,
WHICH IS LESS DIVERSE THAN THE CURRENT OFF RATION. END
SUMMARY.
--------------
THE LOGISTICS
--------------
2. (U) THE CURRENT OFF SYSTEM PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING RATION
TO EVERY PERSON IN IRAQ, REGARDLESS OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OR
VULNERABILITY, EACH MONTH:
9.0 KG WHEAT FLOUR
3.0 KG RICE
2.0 KG SUGAR
0.2 KG TEA
1.0 KG PULSES (3 DIFFERENT TYPES ARE CURRENTLY GIVEN:
SECRET
PAGE 04 ROME 06072 01 OF 04 191634Z
CHICKPEAS, LENTILS, AND BEANS)
0.1 KG SALT
1.25 KG COOKING OIL
0.25 KG SOAP
0.35 KG DETERGENT
0.50 KG MILK
FOR BABIES, 3.6 KG SPECIAL MILK IS PROVIDED MONTHLY FOR THE
FIRST YEAR. THEN A WEANING CEREAL IS PROVIDED--0.8 KG PER
MONTH.
3. (U) THE CONTRACTS FOR ALL COMMODITIES ARE TENDERED AND
PURCHASED BY THE GOI, AFTER HAVING BEEN APPROVED BY THE
OFFICE OF THE IRAQ PROGRAM (OIP). ALL COMMODITIES ARE
IMPORTED. THE GOI ARRANGES FOR THE TRANSPORT OF ALL
COMMODITIES OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY TO THE LARGE TRANSIT
WAREHOUSES INSIDE IRAQ. FROM THE TRANSIT WAREHOUSES, THE
COMMODITIES ARE TAKEN TO THE VARIOUS GOVERNORATES'
WAREHOUSES, I.E., THE EXTENDED DELIVERY POINTS (EDPS). AT
THE EDPS, THE COMMODITIES ARE TRANS-SHIPPED ONTO SMALLER
TRUCKS AND DELIVERED TO THE NUMEROUS FOOD AGENTS.
SECRET
SECRET PTQ3504
PAGE 01 ROME 06072 02 OF 04 191634Z
ACTION PRM-00
INFO LOG-00 AGRE-00 AID-00 CIAE-00 USNW-00 DODE-00 WHA-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 FDRE-01 VC-00 H-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 L-00 VCE-00 AC-01 NEA-00
NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 PM-00 PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00
SP-00 SSO-00 SS-00 STR-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 SA-00
PMB-00 DRL-02 G-00 SAS-00 /007W
-------------- 1A5E82 191635Z /45
O 191613Z DEC 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7396
AMEMBASSY AMMAN
AMEMBASSY ANKARA
AMEMBASSY BERLIN
AMEMBASSY BERN
AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
AMEMBASSY KUWAIT
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY OTTAWA
AMEMBASSY PARIS
COMJSOC FT BRAGG NC//J2//
COMJSOC FT BRAGG NC
JOINT STAFF WASHDC
USEU BRUSSELS 3019
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USNATO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL
SECRET
PAGE 02 ROME 06072 02 OF 04 191634Z
USCINCEUR VAIHINGEN GE
WHITE HOUSE NSC WASHDC
S E C R E T SECTION 02 OF 04 ROME 006072
SIPDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
STATE FOR PRM, EUR/WE, EUR/NE, SA/INS, IO/D
USAID FOR A/AID, AA/DCHA, DCHA/OFDA, DCHA/FFP, AA/ANE,
PPC/DP, PPC/DC
USDA/AS OR U/S PENN
GENEVA OR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
USUN OR MLUTZ
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2012
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF WFPAORC WFPAORC WFPAORC WFP
SUBJECT: CURRENT FOOD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN IRAQ
4. (U) IN THE NORTH, THE PROCEDURE IS VERY SIMILAR. THE
COMMODITIES ARE DELIVERED TO WFP-MANAGED TRANSIT WAREHOUSES
IN MOSUL AND KIRKUK. MOSUL AND KIRKUK ARE LOCATED IN THE
CENTRAL REGION BUT CLOSE TO THE BORDER WITH THE NORTHERN
GOVERNORATES. WFP, WORKING WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OF THE
THREE NORTHERN GOVERNORATES, CALLS FORWARD THE FOOD TO THE
THREE EDP WAREHOUSES IN THE NORTH LOCATED IN SULAYMANIYAH,
DAHUK, AND ARBIL. FROM THERE, THE COMMODITIES ARE
TRANS-SHIPPED ONTO SHORT-HAUL TRUCKS AND DELIVERED TO THE
FOOD AGENTS (SMALL SHOPS) FOR FINAL DISTRIBUTION. WFP
CONTRACTS THE TRUCKING IN THE NORTH FOR THE EDP AND FOOD
SECRET
PAGE 03 ROME 06072 02 OF 04 191634Z
AGENT DELIVERIES.
5. (U) ALL WHEAT IS IMPORTED AS WHOLE-GRAIN WHEAT AND IS
MILLED INTO FLOUR INSIDE IRAQ BEFORE BEING TRANSPORTED TO
WAREHOUSES. THERE ARE AT LEAST ONE TO TWO MILLS IN EACH
GOVERNORATE, AS WELL AS A VERY LARGE ONE IN PORT UMM QASR.
SOME OF THE BIGGER MILLS ARE ABLE TO MILL 500-600 MT PER DAY.
ALL WHEAT DESTINED FOR THE NORTH IS MILLED IN THE
SOUTHERN/CENTRAL REGIONS. (NOTE: THERE ARE MILLS IN THE
NORTH, HOWEVER THEY WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED BEFORE BECOMING
OPERATIONAL. END NOTE.) THE MILLS EITHER OPERATE ON
ELECTRICITY OR VIA GENERATOR. SILOS, AND SOMETIMES ALSO
WAREHOUSES, ARE SITUATED WITH THE MILLS.
6. (U) THE TOTAL TONNAGE DISTRIBUTED PER MONTH IN THE NORTH
IS 50,000-60,000 MT PER MONTH AND IN THE SOUTH/CENTRAL
REGIONS IS 400,000-420,000 MT PER MONTH. SINCE THE PROGRAM
BEGAN, A MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION HAS NEVER BEEN MISSED.
SOMETIMES ONE OR TWO COMMODITIES MAY BE ABSENT, BUT THEY ARE
PROVIDED RETROACTIVELY IN A SUBSEQUENT DISTRIBUTION.
--------------
BENEFICIARY LISTS
--------------
7. (C) IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY, THE DISTRIBUTION IS DONE VIA
SMALL SHOPS BY THE FOOD AGENTS. THE FOOD AGENT RECEIVES EACH
MONTH THE LIST OF BENEFICIARIES. FOR THE CENTRAL/SOUTH, THE
GOI MAINTAINS THE DATABASE OF BENEFICIARIES; IN THE NORTH,
WFP MAINTAINS THE DATABASE. EACH BENEFICIARY RECEIVES A
RATION CARD THAT IS PRINTED BY THE GOI, HOWEVER IN THE NORTH
SECRET
PAGE 04 ROME 06072 02 OF 04 191634Z
THE NAMES OF THE FAMILY MEMBERS ARE PUT ON THE CARDS BY WFP.
THE FOOD AGENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING RECORDS OF RECEIPT
FOR EACH MONTH'S DISTRIBUTION, AND HE IS REQUIRED TO SEND IN
THE REPORT TO THE GOI. IF SOMEONE MOVES, HE/SHE MUST BE
TAKEN OFF ONE LIST BEFORE BEING ADDED TO A NEW LIST. IF A
BABY IS BORN, ONE MUST FILL OUT THE APPROPRIATE PAPERWORK TO
ADD A NEW FAMILY MEMBER. IT IS THE FOOD AGENT'S
RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW HIS BENEFICIARIES, WHICH ON AVERAGE
TOTAL 150 FAMILIES PER FOOD AGENT. BENEFICIARIES PAY
APPROXIMATELY 0.12 USD FOR THE MONTHLY RATION. (AVERAGE
INCOME IS ABOUT 3 USD PER MONTH.) IN THE SOUTH/CENTRAL
REGIONS, WFP MONITORS THE DISTRIBUTION ONLY.
8. (U) THE SAME DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM EXISTS IN THE NORTH,
BUT WFP PLAYS A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN THE ENTIRE PROCESS. WFP
MAINTAINS THE DATABASE, THUS THE FOOD AGENTS RECEIVE THEIR
MONTHLY LISTS FROM WFP, HOWEVER THE LOCAL GOVERNORATES
ADMINISTRATION IS INVOLVED. THE GOI ALSO RECEIVES REPORTS
REGARDING THE DISTRIBUTIONS SINCE IT HANDLES THE PROCUREMENT.
ALSO IN THE NORTH, WFP CONDUCTS POST-DISTRIBUTION MONITORING
(PDM) IN COORDINATION WITH A GOVERNORATE REPRESENTATIVE. A
SECRET
SECRET PTQ3510
PAGE 01 ROME 06072 03 OF 04 191635Z
ACTION PRM-00
INFO LOG-00 AGRE-00 AID-00 CIAE-00 USNW-00 DODE-00 WHA-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 FDRE-01 VC-00 H-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 L-00 VCE-00 AC-01 NEA-00
NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 PM-00 PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00
SP-00 SSO-00 SS-00 STR-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 SA-00
PMB-00 DRL-02 G-00 SAS-00 /007W
-------------- 1A5E92 191635Z /45
O 191613Z DEC 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7397
AMEMBASSY AMMAN
AMEMBASSY ANKARA
AMEMBASSY BERLIN
AMEMBASSY BERN
AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
AMEMBASSY KUWAIT
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY OTTAWA
AMEMBASSY PARIS
COMJSOC FT BRAGG NC//J2//
COMJSOC FT BRAGG NC
JOINT STAFF WASHDC
USEU BRUSSELS 3020
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USNATO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL
SECRET
PAGE 02 ROME 06072 03 OF 04 191635Z
USCINCEUR VAIHINGEN GE
WHITE HOUSE NSC WASHDC
S E C R E T SECTION 03 OF 04 ROME 006072
SIPDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
STATE FOR PRM, EUR/WE, EUR/NE, SA/INS, IO/D
USAID FOR A/AID, AA/DCHA, DCHA/OFDA, DCHA/FFP, AA/ANE,
PPC/DP, PPC/DC
USDA/AS OR U/S PENN
GENEVA OR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
USUN OR MLUTZ
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2012
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF WFPAORC WFPAORC WFPAORC WFP
SUBJECT: CURRENT FOOD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN IRAQ
PDM VISIT IS MADE TO HOUSEHOLDS 7-14 DAYS FOLLOWING THE
DISTRIBUTION TO LEARN HOW LONG THE RATION IS LASTING AND TO
HEAR COMMENTS FROM THE BENEFICIARIES ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE
COMMODITIES.
9. (U) CURRENTLY, THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 49,000 SEPARATE
SHOPS THAT SERVE AS FOOD DISTRIBUTION AGENTS. IN SOME TOWNS
OR NEIGHBORHOODS, THE DISTRIBUTION OF WHEAT FLOUR IS DONE
FROM A SEPARATE SHOP THAN THE OTHER COMMODITIES, SO A
BENEFICIARY MUST GO TO TWO SHOPS FOR THE RATION. THE 49,000
FIGURE IS ALL INCLUSIVE, WITH ABOUT 10,000 BEING IN THE
NORTH, 10,000 IN BAGHDAD, AND THE OTHER 29,000 IN THE
SECRET
PAGE 03 ROME 06072 03 OF 04 191635Z
SOUTH/CENTRAL REGIONS, EXCLUSIVE OF BAGHDAD. IN THE MONTH OF
NOVEMBER, 25.8 MILLION PEOPLE RECEIVED RATIONS.
10. (S) WFP COMMENTS THAT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IS VERY
CONTROLLED, WITH EACH SIDE MONITORING WHAT IS BEING GIVEN TO
THE OTHER SIDE (NORTH VERSUS SOUTH/CENTRAL),IN WHAT
QUANTITIES, AND WHEN.
--------------
IF WFP WERE TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY
--------------
11. (S) WFP HAS PARTICULAR CONSIDERATIONS IF IT WERE TO TAKE
OVER TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS INSIDE
COUNTRY--EVEN IF THE BENEFICIARY NUMBERS WERE LOWER. UNDER
THE CURRENT OFF OPERATION, WFP DOES NO/NO TENDERING FOR FOOD
PURCHASES, CONTRACTS NO/NO OUTSIDE TRANSPORT AND INSIDE IRAQ,
CONTRACTS TRANSPORT ONLY FOR THE THREE NORTHERN GOVERNORATES,
WORKS WITH NO/NO NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS) FOR
THE GENERAL DISTRIBUTION, DOES NOT ACTUALLY DO ANY
DISTRIBUTIONS--EVEN IN THE NORTH, AND DOES NOT MANAGE THE
FOOD PIPELINE. ALL THESE FACTORS IMPACT WFP'S ABILITY TO
GEAR UP QUICKLY IF IT WERE NECESSARY TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY
FOR ANY OR ALL OF THESE TASKS, WHICH WOULD BE NECESSARY IF
THE GOI'S ROLE IN THE OFF SYSTEM COLLAPSED. EVEN THOUGH WFP
HAS VAST EXPERIENCE IN ALL THESE AREAS, NONE OF THEM CAN BE
ACHIEVED OVERNIGHT.
12. (S) REF TEL RAISED SEVERAL CONCERNS OF WFP'S THAT ARE
NECESSARY FOR ANY FOOD DISTRIBUTION OPERATION, I.E., ACCESS
TO SUFFICIENT TRUCKING CAPACITY WITHIN THE REGION, ACCESS TO
SECRET
PAGE 04 ROME 06072 03 OF 04 191635Z
CORRIDORS FOR TRUCKING FOOD INTO IRAQ, AS WELL AS INSIDE THE
COUNTRY, ABILITY TO HIRE TRUCK DRIVERS AT AFFORDABLE RATES,
AND THE ABILITY TO LOCATE SUFFICIENT NUMBERS OF MECHANICS TO
MAINTAIN THE FLEETS. IF WFP HAD TO RUN CONVOY TEAMS, AS IT
DID IN BOSNIA, WOULD THE US MILITARY BE WILLING TO WORK
CLOSELY WITH WFP TO ENSURE SUCCESS, IS ONE QUESTION OF WFP.
IN ADDITION, WFP IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF FUEL
(ELECTRICITY, GAS, AND PETROL) INSIDE THE COUNTRY TO OPERATE
TRUCKS, WHEAT MILLS, COOKING STOVES (DUE TO LACK OF WOOD IN
THE COUNTRY),AND TO POWER THE WATER SYSTEM.
13. (C) UNDER THE MEDIUM CASE SCENARIO (9.6 MILLION
BENEFICIARIES),WFP WOULD OPEN FOUR AREA OFFICES AND SEVEN
SUB-OFFICES INSIDE IRAQ. IT WOULD ALSO TRY TO INCREASE THE
NUMBER OF WAREHOUSES INSIDE THE COUNTRY THAT WOULD SERVE AS
THE EXTENDED DELIVERY POINTS (EDPS).
14. (C) IN PREPARATION FOR A POTENTIAL OPERATION, WFP IS
ATTEMPTING TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF FOOD THAT IS STORED IN THE
WAREHOUSES IN THE NORTH, AS IT FEELS FAIRLY CERTAIN THAT ANY
MILITARY ACTIVITY WOULD SERVE AS IMPETUS FOR THE WAREHOUSES
SECRET
SECRET PTQ3512
PAGE 01 ROME 06072 04 OF 04 191635Z
ACTION PRM-00
INFO LOG-00 AGRE-00 AID-00 CIAE-00 USNW-00 DODE-00 WHA-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 FDRE-01 VC-00 H-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 L-00 VCE-00 AC-01 NEA-00
NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 PM-00 PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00
SP-00 SSO-00 SS-00 STR-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 SA-00
PMB-00 DRL-02 G-00 SAS-00 /007W
-------------- 1A5EA5 191636Z /45
O 191613Z DEC 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7398
AMEMBASSY AMMAN
AMEMBASSY ANKARA
AMEMBASSY BERLIN
AMEMBASSY BERN
AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
AMEMBASSY KUWAIT
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY OTTAWA
AMEMBASSY PARIS
COMJSOC FT BRAGG NC//J2//
COMJSOC FT BRAGG NC
JOINT STAFF WASHDC
USEU BRUSSELS 3021
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USNATO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL
SECRET
PAGE 02 ROME 06072 04 OF 04 191635Z
USCINCEUR VAIHINGEN GE
WHITE HOUSE NSC WASHDC
S E C R E T SECTION 04 OF 04 ROME 006072
SIPDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
STATE FOR PRM, EUR/WE, EUR/NE, SA/INS, IO/D
USAID FOR A/AID, AA/DCHA, DCHA/OFDA, DCHA/FFP, AA/ANE,
PPC/DP, PPC/DC
USDA/AS OR U/S PENN
GENEVA OR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
USUN OR MLUTZ
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2012
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF WFPAORC WFPAORC WFPAORC WFP
SUBJECT: CURRENT FOOD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN IRAQ
TO BE LOOTED. THEREFORE ALL CONTINGENCY STOCKS ARE BEING
STORED OUTSIDE IRAQ.
--------------
WFP RATION
--------------
15. (C) WFP FEELS THE MOST VULNERABLE ARE SITUATED IN THE
URBAN CENTERS, WHICH ALSO MIGHT BE THE AREAS MOST DIFFICULT
TO ACCESS. DURING THE INITIAL EMERGENCY PHASE, WFP WOULD
SUPPLY ITS STANDARD RATION COMPOSED OF A CEREAL (MOST LIKELY
WHEAT),PULSES, AND OIL FOR A TOTAL OF 2,100-2,400
SECRET
PAGE 03 ROME 06072 04 OF 04 191635Z
KILOCALORIES (KC) PER PERSON PER DAY. (2,400 KC FOR COLDER
CLIMATES PENDING FOOD AVAILABILITY). DUE TO THE FACTORS
LISTED ABOVE, WFP WOULD NOT, IN THE BEGINNING STAGES AT
LEAST, BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ALL THE ITEMS CURRENTLY PROVIDED IN
THE OFF RATION. THE SOAP AND DETERGENT WOULD HAVE TO BE
FUNDED BY ANOTHER ORGANIZATION, BUT PERHAPS COULD BE
PIGGY-BACKED ON THE SAME DISTRIBUTION MECHANISM, AS IT IS
NOW. AS THINGS FELL INTO PLACE, AND IF WFP HAD THE FUNDING
TO PURCHASE OTHER ITEMS, IT COULD LATER PROVIDE THE LARGER
RATION.
16. (S) IN THE INTIAL STAGE, THE EMERGENCY RATION WOULD BE
GIVEN ONLY TO THE MOST VULNERABLE, WHICH MIGHT BE CAUSE FOR
DISGRUNTLEMENT AMONG THE POPULATION ON TWO COUNTS: 1) SOME,
EVEN THOUGH VULNERABLE, MAY BE UNHAPPY WITH THE RATION SIZE
AND LACK OF DIVERSITY, AND 2) OTHERS MAY NOT LOOK KINDLY ON
THE CRITERIA DEVELOPED TO DETERMINE VULNERABILITY, AS THERE
IS NO QUALIFICATION CRITERIA NOW. THE CURRENT RATION HAS
BEEN INSTITUTIONALIZED; MANY DO NOT HAVE INCOMES; AND IF IT
WERE STOPPED "HUGE SWATHS OF THE POPULATION WOULD BE
AFFECTED," STATES WFP.
--------------
THE FUTURE SYSTEM?
--------------
17. (S) WHEN ASKING WFP ABOUT A REHABILITATION PHASE AND THE
POSSIBILITY OF THE IRAQIS RELYING MORE AND MORE ON THEIR OWN
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AS WELL AS COMMERCIAL IMPORTS, TO
FULFILL THEIR FOOD NEEDS, A STAFF MEMBER CAUTIONED THAT THE
CURRENT SYSTEM IS ONE WAY IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT EXERTS
SECRET
PAGE 04 ROME 06072 04 OF 04 191635Z
CONTROL OVER THE POPULATION. ANY NEW GOVENRMENT OF IRAQ MAY
BE INTERESTED IN MAINTAINING THE SAME CONTROL.
HALL
SEMBLER
SECRET
>
2002ROME06072 - Classification: SECRET
SIPDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
STATE FOR PRM, EUR/WE, EUR/NE, SA/INS, IO/D
USAID FOR A/AID, AA/DCHA, DCHA/OFDA, DCHA/FFP, AA/ANE,
PPC/DP, PPC/DC
USDA/AS OR U/S PENN
GENEVA OR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
USUN OR MLUTZ
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2012
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF WFPAORC WFPAORC WFPAORC WFP
SUBJECT: CURRENT FOOD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN IRAQ
REF: ROME 6045
CLASSIFIED BY: AMBASSADOR TONY HALL FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D).
--------------
SUMMARY
--------------
1. (S) THE CURRENT OIL FOR FOOD (OFF) DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
IN IRAQ DELIVERS FOOD TO ALL IRAQIS. IN THE MONTH OF
NOVEMBER, 25.8 MILLION BENEFICIARIES RECEIVED A FOOD RATION
FROM 49,000 SMALL SHOPS THAT SERVE AS THE DISTRIBUTION
SECRET
PAGE 03 ROME 06072 01 OF 04 191634Z
POINTS. WHOLE-GRAIN WHEAT IS IMPORTED AND MILLED INTO FLOUR
INSIDE IRAQ. THE U.N. WORLD FOOD PROGRAM (WFP) OVERSEES THE
DISTRIBUTIONS IN THE SOUTH/CENTRAL REGIONS AND PLAYS A MORE
INTEGRAL ROLE IN THE WHOLE PROCESS IN THE THREE NORTHERN
GOVERNORATES. UNDER THE OFF PROGRAM, WFP DOES NOT TENDER FOR
THE PURCHASE OF ANY FOOD, CONTRACTS NO OUTSIDE TRANSPORT, AND
INSIDE IRAQ, CONTRACTS TRANSPORT ONLY FOR THE THREE NORTHERN
GOVERNORATES, WORKS WITH NO NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
(NGOS) FOR THE GENERAL DISTRIBUTION, DOES NOT ACTUALLY
CONDUCT ANY DISTRIBUTIONS--EVEN IN THE NORTH, AND DOES NOT
MANAGE THE FOOD PIPELINE. ALL THESE FACTORS IMPACT WFP'S
ABILITY TO GEAR UP QUICKLY IF THE GOVERNMENT OF IRAQ'S (GOI)
ROLE IN THE OFF SYSTEM COLLAPSED. WFP HAS VAST EXPERIENCE IN
ALL THESE AREAS, BUT IT WOULD TAKE TIME TO MOUNT SUCH AN
OPERATION. THE INITIAL WFP RATION, TARGETED TO THE MOST
VULNERABLE, WOULD CONSIST OF ITS STANDARD EMERGENCY RATION,
WHICH IS LESS DIVERSE THAN THE CURRENT OFF RATION. END
SUMMARY.
--------------
THE LOGISTICS
--------------
2. (U) THE CURRENT OFF SYSTEM PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING RATION
TO EVERY PERSON IN IRAQ, REGARDLESS OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OR
VULNERABILITY, EACH MONTH:
9.0 KG WHEAT FLOUR
3.0 KG RICE
2.0 KG SUGAR
0.2 KG TEA
1.0 KG PULSES (3 DIFFERENT TYPES ARE CURRENTLY GIVEN:
SECRET
PAGE 04 ROME 06072 01 OF 04 191634Z
CHICKPEAS, LENTILS, AND BEANS)
0.1 KG SALT
1.25 KG COOKING OIL
0.25 KG SOAP
0.35 KG DETERGENT
0.50 KG MILK
FOR BABIES, 3.6 KG SPECIAL MILK IS PROVIDED MONTHLY FOR THE
FIRST YEAR. THEN A WEANING CEREAL IS PROVIDED--0.8 KG PER
MONTH.
3. (U) THE CONTRACTS FOR ALL COMMODITIES ARE TENDERED AND
PURCHASED BY THE GOI, AFTER HAVING BEEN APPROVED BY THE
OFFICE OF THE IRAQ PROGRAM (OIP). ALL COMMODITIES ARE
IMPORTED. THE GOI ARRANGES FOR THE TRANSPORT OF ALL
COMMODITIES OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY TO THE LARGE TRANSIT
WAREHOUSES INSIDE IRAQ. FROM THE TRANSIT WAREHOUSES, THE
COMMODITIES ARE TAKEN TO THE VARIOUS GOVERNORATES'
WAREHOUSES, I.E., THE EXTENDED DELIVERY POINTS (EDPS). AT
THE EDPS, THE COMMODITIES ARE TRANS-SHIPPED ONTO SMALLER
TRUCKS AND DELIVERED TO THE NUMEROUS FOOD AGENTS.
SECRET
SECRET PTQ3504
PAGE 01 ROME 06072 02 OF 04 191634Z
ACTION PRM-00
INFO LOG-00 AGRE-00 AID-00 CIAE-00 USNW-00 DODE-00 WHA-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 FDRE-01 VC-00 H-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 L-00 VCE-00 AC-01 NEA-00
NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 PM-00 PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00
SP-00 SSO-00 SS-00 STR-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 SA-00
PMB-00 DRL-02 G-00 SAS-00 /007W
-------------- 1A5E82 191635Z /45
O 191613Z DEC 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7396
AMEMBASSY AMMAN
AMEMBASSY ANKARA
AMEMBASSY BERLIN
AMEMBASSY BERN
AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
AMEMBASSY KUWAIT
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY OTTAWA
AMEMBASSY PARIS
COMJSOC FT BRAGG NC//J2//
COMJSOC FT BRAGG NC
JOINT STAFF WASHDC
USEU BRUSSELS 3019
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USNATO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL
SECRET
PAGE 02 ROME 06072 02 OF 04 191634Z
USCINCEUR VAIHINGEN GE
WHITE HOUSE NSC WASHDC
S E C R E T SECTION 02 OF 04 ROME 006072
SIPDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
STATE FOR PRM, EUR/WE, EUR/NE, SA/INS, IO/D
USAID FOR A/AID, AA/DCHA, DCHA/OFDA, DCHA/FFP, AA/ANE,
PPC/DP, PPC/DC
USDA/AS OR U/S PENN
GENEVA OR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
USUN OR MLUTZ
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2012
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF WFPAORC WFPAORC WFPAORC WFP
SUBJECT: CURRENT FOOD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN IRAQ
4. (U) IN THE NORTH, THE PROCEDURE IS VERY SIMILAR. THE
COMMODITIES ARE DELIVERED TO WFP-MANAGED TRANSIT WAREHOUSES
IN MOSUL AND KIRKUK. MOSUL AND KIRKUK ARE LOCATED IN THE
CENTRAL REGION BUT CLOSE TO THE BORDER WITH THE NORTHERN
GOVERNORATES. WFP, WORKING WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OF THE
THREE NORTHERN GOVERNORATES, CALLS FORWARD THE FOOD TO THE
THREE EDP WAREHOUSES IN THE NORTH LOCATED IN SULAYMANIYAH,
DAHUK, AND ARBIL. FROM THERE, THE COMMODITIES ARE
TRANS-SHIPPED ONTO SHORT-HAUL TRUCKS AND DELIVERED TO THE
FOOD AGENTS (SMALL SHOPS) FOR FINAL DISTRIBUTION. WFP
CONTRACTS THE TRUCKING IN THE NORTH FOR THE EDP AND FOOD
SECRET
PAGE 03 ROME 06072 02 OF 04 191634Z
AGENT DELIVERIES.
5. (U) ALL WHEAT IS IMPORTED AS WHOLE-GRAIN WHEAT AND IS
MILLED INTO FLOUR INSIDE IRAQ BEFORE BEING TRANSPORTED TO
WAREHOUSES. THERE ARE AT LEAST ONE TO TWO MILLS IN EACH
GOVERNORATE, AS WELL AS A VERY LARGE ONE IN PORT UMM QASR.
SOME OF THE BIGGER MILLS ARE ABLE TO MILL 500-600 MT PER DAY.
ALL WHEAT DESTINED FOR THE NORTH IS MILLED IN THE
SOUTHERN/CENTRAL REGIONS. (NOTE: THERE ARE MILLS IN THE
NORTH, HOWEVER THEY WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED BEFORE BECOMING
OPERATIONAL. END NOTE.) THE MILLS EITHER OPERATE ON
ELECTRICITY OR VIA GENERATOR. SILOS, AND SOMETIMES ALSO
WAREHOUSES, ARE SITUATED WITH THE MILLS.
6. (U) THE TOTAL TONNAGE DISTRIBUTED PER MONTH IN THE NORTH
IS 50,000-60,000 MT PER MONTH AND IN THE SOUTH/CENTRAL
REGIONS IS 400,000-420,000 MT PER MONTH. SINCE THE PROGRAM
BEGAN, A MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION HAS NEVER BEEN MISSED.
SOMETIMES ONE OR TWO COMMODITIES MAY BE ABSENT, BUT THEY ARE
PROVIDED RETROACTIVELY IN A SUBSEQUENT DISTRIBUTION.
--------------
BENEFICIARY LISTS
--------------
7. (C) IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY, THE DISTRIBUTION IS DONE VIA
SMALL SHOPS BY THE FOOD AGENTS. THE FOOD AGENT RECEIVES EACH
MONTH THE LIST OF BENEFICIARIES. FOR THE CENTRAL/SOUTH, THE
GOI MAINTAINS THE DATABASE OF BENEFICIARIES; IN THE NORTH,
WFP MAINTAINS THE DATABASE. EACH BENEFICIARY RECEIVES A
RATION CARD THAT IS PRINTED BY THE GOI, HOWEVER IN THE NORTH
SECRET
PAGE 04 ROME 06072 02 OF 04 191634Z
THE NAMES OF THE FAMILY MEMBERS ARE PUT ON THE CARDS BY WFP.
THE FOOD AGENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING RECORDS OF RECEIPT
FOR EACH MONTH'S DISTRIBUTION, AND HE IS REQUIRED TO SEND IN
THE REPORT TO THE GOI. IF SOMEONE MOVES, HE/SHE MUST BE
TAKEN OFF ONE LIST BEFORE BEING ADDED TO A NEW LIST. IF A
BABY IS BORN, ONE MUST FILL OUT THE APPROPRIATE PAPERWORK TO
ADD A NEW FAMILY MEMBER. IT IS THE FOOD AGENT'S
RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW HIS BENEFICIARIES, WHICH ON AVERAGE
TOTAL 150 FAMILIES PER FOOD AGENT. BENEFICIARIES PAY
APPROXIMATELY 0.12 USD FOR THE MONTHLY RATION. (AVERAGE
INCOME IS ABOUT 3 USD PER MONTH.) IN THE SOUTH/CENTRAL
REGIONS, WFP MONITORS THE DISTRIBUTION ONLY.
8. (U) THE SAME DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM EXISTS IN THE NORTH,
BUT WFP PLAYS A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN THE ENTIRE PROCESS. WFP
MAINTAINS THE DATABASE, THUS THE FOOD AGENTS RECEIVE THEIR
MONTHLY LISTS FROM WFP, HOWEVER THE LOCAL GOVERNORATES
ADMINISTRATION IS INVOLVED. THE GOI ALSO RECEIVES REPORTS
REGARDING THE DISTRIBUTIONS SINCE IT HANDLES THE PROCUREMENT.
ALSO IN THE NORTH, WFP CONDUCTS POST-DISTRIBUTION MONITORING
(PDM) IN COORDINATION WITH A GOVERNORATE REPRESENTATIVE. A
SECRET
SECRET PTQ3510
PAGE 01 ROME 06072 03 OF 04 191635Z
ACTION PRM-00
INFO LOG-00 AGRE-00 AID-00 CIAE-00 USNW-00 DODE-00 WHA-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 FDRE-01 VC-00 H-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 L-00 VCE-00 AC-01 NEA-00
NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 PM-00 PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00
SP-00 SSO-00 SS-00 STR-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 SA-00
PMB-00 DRL-02 G-00 SAS-00 /007W
-------------- 1A5E92 191635Z /45
O 191613Z DEC 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7397
AMEMBASSY AMMAN
AMEMBASSY ANKARA
AMEMBASSY BERLIN
AMEMBASSY BERN
AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
AMEMBASSY KUWAIT
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY OTTAWA
AMEMBASSY PARIS
COMJSOC FT BRAGG NC//J2//
COMJSOC FT BRAGG NC
JOINT STAFF WASHDC
USEU BRUSSELS 3020
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USNATO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL
SECRET
PAGE 02 ROME 06072 03 OF 04 191635Z
USCINCEUR VAIHINGEN GE
WHITE HOUSE NSC WASHDC
S E C R E T SECTION 03 OF 04 ROME 006072
SIPDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
STATE FOR PRM, EUR/WE, EUR/NE, SA/INS, IO/D
USAID FOR A/AID, AA/DCHA, DCHA/OFDA, DCHA/FFP, AA/ANE,
PPC/DP, PPC/DC
USDA/AS OR U/S PENN
GENEVA OR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
USUN OR MLUTZ
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2012
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF WFPAORC WFPAORC WFPAORC WFP
SUBJECT: CURRENT FOOD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN IRAQ
PDM VISIT IS MADE TO HOUSEHOLDS 7-14 DAYS FOLLOWING THE
DISTRIBUTION TO LEARN HOW LONG THE RATION IS LASTING AND TO
HEAR COMMENTS FROM THE BENEFICIARIES ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE
COMMODITIES.
9. (U) CURRENTLY, THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 49,000 SEPARATE
SHOPS THAT SERVE AS FOOD DISTRIBUTION AGENTS. IN SOME TOWNS
OR NEIGHBORHOODS, THE DISTRIBUTION OF WHEAT FLOUR IS DONE
FROM A SEPARATE SHOP THAN THE OTHER COMMODITIES, SO A
BENEFICIARY MUST GO TO TWO SHOPS FOR THE RATION. THE 49,000
FIGURE IS ALL INCLUSIVE, WITH ABOUT 10,000 BEING IN THE
NORTH, 10,000 IN BAGHDAD, AND THE OTHER 29,000 IN THE
SECRET
PAGE 03 ROME 06072 03 OF 04 191635Z
SOUTH/CENTRAL REGIONS, EXCLUSIVE OF BAGHDAD. IN THE MONTH OF
NOVEMBER, 25.8 MILLION PEOPLE RECEIVED RATIONS.
10. (S) WFP COMMENTS THAT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IS VERY
CONTROLLED, WITH EACH SIDE MONITORING WHAT IS BEING GIVEN TO
THE OTHER SIDE (NORTH VERSUS SOUTH/CENTRAL),IN WHAT
QUANTITIES, AND WHEN.
--------------
IF WFP WERE TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY
--------------
11. (S) WFP HAS PARTICULAR CONSIDERATIONS IF IT WERE TO TAKE
OVER TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS INSIDE
COUNTRY--EVEN IF THE BENEFICIARY NUMBERS WERE LOWER. UNDER
THE CURRENT OFF OPERATION, WFP DOES NO/NO TENDERING FOR FOOD
PURCHASES, CONTRACTS NO/NO OUTSIDE TRANSPORT AND INSIDE IRAQ,
CONTRACTS TRANSPORT ONLY FOR THE THREE NORTHERN GOVERNORATES,
WORKS WITH NO/NO NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS) FOR
THE GENERAL DISTRIBUTION, DOES NOT ACTUALLY DO ANY
DISTRIBUTIONS--EVEN IN THE NORTH, AND DOES NOT MANAGE THE
FOOD PIPELINE. ALL THESE FACTORS IMPACT WFP'S ABILITY TO
GEAR UP QUICKLY IF IT WERE NECESSARY TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY
FOR ANY OR ALL OF THESE TASKS, WHICH WOULD BE NECESSARY IF
THE GOI'S ROLE IN THE OFF SYSTEM COLLAPSED. EVEN THOUGH WFP
HAS VAST EXPERIENCE IN ALL THESE AREAS, NONE OF THEM CAN BE
ACHIEVED OVERNIGHT.
12. (S) REF TEL RAISED SEVERAL CONCERNS OF WFP'S THAT ARE
NECESSARY FOR ANY FOOD DISTRIBUTION OPERATION, I.E., ACCESS
TO SUFFICIENT TRUCKING CAPACITY WITHIN THE REGION, ACCESS TO
SECRET
PAGE 04 ROME 06072 03 OF 04 191635Z
CORRIDORS FOR TRUCKING FOOD INTO IRAQ, AS WELL AS INSIDE THE
COUNTRY, ABILITY TO HIRE TRUCK DRIVERS AT AFFORDABLE RATES,
AND THE ABILITY TO LOCATE SUFFICIENT NUMBERS OF MECHANICS TO
MAINTAIN THE FLEETS. IF WFP HAD TO RUN CONVOY TEAMS, AS IT
DID IN BOSNIA, WOULD THE US MILITARY BE WILLING TO WORK
CLOSELY WITH WFP TO ENSURE SUCCESS, IS ONE QUESTION OF WFP.
IN ADDITION, WFP IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF FUEL
(ELECTRICITY, GAS, AND PETROL) INSIDE THE COUNTRY TO OPERATE
TRUCKS, WHEAT MILLS, COOKING STOVES (DUE TO LACK OF WOOD IN
THE COUNTRY),AND TO POWER THE WATER SYSTEM.
13. (C) UNDER THE MEDIUM CASE SCENARIO (9.6 MILLION
BENEFICIARIES),WFP WOULD OPEN FOUR AREA OFFICES AND SEVEN
SUB-OFFICES INSIDE IRAQ. IT WOULD ALSO TRY TO INCREASE THE
NUMBER OF WAREHOUSES INSIDE THE COUNTRY THAT WOULD SERVE AS
THE EXTENDED DELIVERY POINTS (EDPS).
14. (C) IN PREPARATION FOR A POTENTIAL OPERATION, WFP IS
ATTEMPTING TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF FOOD THAT IS STORED IN THE
WAREHOUSES IN THE NORTH, AS IT FEELS FAIRLY CERTAIN THAT ANY
MILITARY ACTIVITY WOULD SERVE AS IMPETUS FOR THE WAREHOUSES
SECRET
SECRET PTQ3512
PAGE 01 ROME 06072 04 OF 04 191635Z
ACTION PRM-00
INFO LOG-00 AGRE-00 AID-00 CIAE-00 USNW-00 DODE-00 WHA-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 FDRE-01 VC-00 H-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 L-00 VCE-00 AC-01 NEA-00
NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 PM-00 PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00
SP-00 SSO-00 SS-00 STR-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 SA-00
PMB-00 DRL-02 G-00 SAS-00 /007W
-------------- 1A5EA5 191636Z /45
O 191613Z DEC 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7398
AMEMBASSY AMMAN
AMEMBASSY ANKARA
AMEMBASSY BERLIN
AMEMBASSY BERN
AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
AMEMBASSY KUWAIT
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY OTTAWA
AMEMBASSY PARIS
COMJSOC FT BRAGG NC//J2//
COMJSOC FT BRAGG NC
JOINT STAFF WASHDC
USEU BRUSSELS 3021
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USNATO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL
SECRET
PAGE 02 ROME 06072 04 OF 04 191635Z
USCINCEUR VAIHINGEN GE
WHITE HOUSE NSC WASHDC
S E C R E T SECTION 04 OF 04 ROME 006072
SIPDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
STATE FOR PRM, EUR/WE, EUR/NE, SA/INS, IO/D
USAID FOR A/AID, AA/DCHA, DCHA/OFDA, DCHA/FFP, AA/ANE,
PPC/DP, PPC/DC
USDA/AS OR U/S PENN
GENEVA OR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
USUN OR MLUTZ
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2012
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF EAGR EAID KUNR PHUM PREF WFPAORC WFPAORC WFPAORC WFP
SUBJECT: CURRENT FOOD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN IRAQ
TO BE LOOTED. THEREFORE ALL CONTINGENCY STOCKS ARE BEING
STORED OUTSIDE IRAQ.
--------------
WFP RATION
--------------
15. (C) WFP FEELS THE MOST VULNERABLE ARE SITUATED IN THE
URBAN CENTERS, WHICH ALSO MIGHT BE THE AREAS MOST DIFFICULT
TO ACCESS. DURING THE INITIAL EMERGENCY PHASE, WFP WOULD
SUPPLY ITS STANDARD RATION COMPOSED OF A CEREAL (MOST LIKELY
WHEAT),PULSES, AND OIL FOR A TOTAL OF 2,100-2,400
SECRET
PAGE 03 ROME 06072 04 OF 04 191635Z
KILOCALORIES (KC) PER PERSON PER DAY. (2,400 KC FOR COLDER
CLIMATES PENDING FOOD AVAILABILITY). DUE TO THE FACTORS
LISTED ABOVE, WFP WOULD NOT, IN THE BEGINNING STAGES AT
LEAST, BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ALL THE ITEMS CURRENTLY PROVIDED IN
THE OFF RATION. THE SOAP AND DETERGENT WOULD HAVE TO BE
FUNDED BY ANOTHER ORGANIZATION, BUT PERHAPS COULD BE
PIGGY-BACKED ON THE SAME DISTRIBUTION MECHANISM, AS IT IS
NOW. AS THINGS FELL INTO PLACE, AND IF WFP HAD THE FUNDING
TO PURCHASE OTHER ITEMS, IT COULD LATER PROVIDE THE LARGER
RATION.
16. (S) IN THE INTIAL STAGE, THE EMERGENCY RATION WOULD BE
GIVEN ONLY TO THE MOST VULNERABLE, WHICH MIGHT BE CAUSE FOR
DISGRUNTLEMENT AMONG THE POPULATION ON TWO COUNTS: 1) SOME,
EVEN THOUGH VULNERABLE, MAY BE UNHAPPY WITH THE RATION SIZE
AND LACK OF DIVERSITY, AND 2) OTHERS MAY NOT LOOK KINDLY ON
THE CRITERIA DEVELOPED TO DETERMINE VULNERABILITY, AS THERE
IS NO QUALIFICATION CRITERIA NOW. THE CURRENT RATION HAS
BEEN INSTITUTIONALIZED; MANY DO NOT HAVE INCOMES; AND IF IT
WERE STOPPED "HUGE SWATHS OF THE POPULATION WOULD BE
AFFECTED," STATES WFP.
--------------
THE FUTURE SYSTEM?
--------------
17. (S) WHEN ASKING WFP ABOUT A REHABILITATION PHASE AND THE
POSSIBILITY OF THE IRAQIS RELYING MORE AND MORE ON THEIR OWN
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AS WELL AS COMMERCIAL IMPORTS, TO
FULFILL THEIR FOOD NEEDS, A STAFF MEMBER CAUTIONED THAT THE
CURRENT SYSTEM IS ONE WAY IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT EXERTS
SECRET
PAGE 04 ROME 06072 04 OF 04 191635Z
CONTROL OVER THE POPULATION. ANY NEW GOVENRMENT OF IRAQ MAY
BE INTERESTED IN MAINTAINING THE SAME CONTROL.
HALL
SEMBLER
SECRET
>
2002ROME06072 - Classification: SECRET