G8 FAMINE MEETINGS IN ROME

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 ROME 001268 SIPDIS AIDAC FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME SENSITIVE STATE FOR U/S LARSON, A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/WE, IO/EDA SWINNICK, E FOR CPENCE USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 02 ROME 01268 01 OF 05 251628Z USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ GENEVA FOR RMA BRUSSELS FOR USEU NSC FOR JDWORKEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP SUBJECT: G8 FAMINE MEETINGS IN ROME REF: (A) STATE 68141 SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY. NOT SUITABLE FOR INTERNET POSTING. -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (SBU) G8 MEMBER STATES DID NOT REACH CONSENSUS ON A COMMON TEXT FOR PRESENTATION. OPPOSITION TO A U.S.-FRENCH DRAFT WAS LED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND CANADA, WHO FAVOR PRESENTATION OF A LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR TEXT (REPRODUCED BELOW). THE U.S.- FRENCH DRAFT RECEIVED GENERAL SUPPORT ON TWO MAJOR HEADINGS: I) PREVENTION AND ACTION AGAINST THE CAUSES OF FAMINE; AND III) COMMITMENT TO INSURE LONG-TERM FOOD SECURITY. LESSER SUPPORT WAS GARNERED FOR: II) FLEXIBLE APPROACHES TO FAMINE E.G., SCHOOL FEEDING, TWINNING, MICRO-LEVEL ASSISTANCE, CASH-FOR- WORK, AND MARKET DISTRIBUTION. THE FRENCH AND U.S. CO-CHAIRS UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 03 ROME 01268 01 OF 05 251628Z AGREED TO SEND BOTH THE UK TEXT AND THE U.S.- FRENCH TEXT ALONG TO THE G8 SOUS SHERPAS (FASS),APPENDING THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIONS AND CAVEATS RAISED BY THE VARIOUS DELEGATIONS. END SUMMARY. -------------- BACKGROUND -------------- ¶2. (SBU) FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO THE FAO, CLAUDE CHEREAU, CONVENED A WRAP UP MEETING ON 03/25 TO DISCUSS THE REVISED U.S.- FRENCH DRAFTED END FAMINE MEASURES BEING FORWARDED TO THE G8 FOREIGN AFFAIRS SOUS SHERPAS (FASS) FOR THEIR MEETING ON MARCH 27-28. IN INITIAL INTERVENTIONS, THE UNITED KINGDOM, EUROPEAN COMMISSION (AND TO A GREAT DEGREE CANADA) RAISED SUBSTANTIVE OBJECTIONS TO BOTH THE SCOPE AND TENOR OF THE U.S.- FRENCH DRAFT. THE UK THEN PROPOSED A "COUNTER TEXT" WHICH IS HEREWITH REPRODUCED. -------------- -------------- UK PROPOSED "SUBSTITUTE" TEXT FOR FASS CONSIDERATION -------------- -------------- ¶3. (SBU) "THE G8 REPRESENTATIVES IN ROME HAVE CONSIDERED WHAT FURTHER ACTIONS MIGHT BE NEEDED TO ADDRESS THE SERIOUS PROBLEMS OF FAMINE IN AFRICA. THEY HAVE LISTENED VERY CAREFULLY TO PRESENTATIONS FROM THE THREE ROME-BASED UN AGENCIES (FAO, IFAD AND WFP) AND SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING PAPER TO FASS. THE G8 REPRESENTATIVES IN ROME ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED WITH THE UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 04 ROME 01268 01 OF 05 251628Z CURRENT FOOD CRISIS IN THE AFRICAN CONTINENT AND UNDERLINE THE COMMITMENT OF G8 COUNTRIES TO RESPOND GENEROUSLY TO CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS. WHILE THE G8 REPRESENTATIVES IN ROME RECOGNIZE THE NEED FOR URGENT ACTION, THEY EMPHASIZE AT THE SAME TIME THE NEED TO ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSES OF FAMINE. THE G8 REPRESENTATIVES IN ROME RECOGNIZE THE AFRICA ACTION PLAN AS THE MAIN BASIS FOR G8 ACTION TO ADDRESS LONG-TERM FOOD SECURITY IN AFRICA. FUTURE ACTIONS SHOULD BE GUIDED BY THE IMPLEMENTATION REPORT TO BE PRESENTED DURING THE SUMMIT OF EVIAN. THESE ACTIONS SHOULD BE FULLY SUPPORTIVE OF THE NEPAD INITIATIVE. THE G8 REPRESENTATIVES IN ROME NOTE THAT MANY OF THE LONGER- TERM ACTIONS TO AVOID FAMINE PROPOSED BY FAO, IFAD AND WFP ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE AFRICA ACTION PLAN. HOWEVER, WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL ATTENTION TO IMPROVE SOME ASPECTS OF SHORT-TERM EMERGENCY RESPONSES. IN PARTICULAR: - STRENGTHENING EARLY WARNING AND FORECAST SYSTEMS AT THE UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED PTQ9495 PAGE 01 ROME 01268 02 OF 05 251629Z ACTION SSO-00 INFO LOG-00 AGRE-00 AID-00 ANHR-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 TEDE-00 IO-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02 SS-00 TEST-00 PRM-00 SAS-00 /002W -------------- 4A755B 251629Z /38 P 251620Z MAR 03 FM AMEMBASSY ROME TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8946 INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE AMEMBASSY OTTAWA AMEMBASSY MOSCOW AMEMBASSY TOKYO AMEMBASSY CANBERRA USEU BRUSSELS 3176 USMISSION GENEVA USMISSION USUN NEW YORK UNCLAS SECTION 02 OF 05 ROME 001268 SIPDIS AIDAC FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME SENSITIVE STATE FOR U/S LARSON, A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/WE, IO/EDA SWINNICK, E FOR CPENCE USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 02 ROME 01268 02 OF 05 251629Z USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ GENEVA FOR RMA BRUSSELS FOR USEU NSC FOR JDWORKEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP SUBJECT: G8 FAMINE MEETINGS IN ROME NATIONAL AND REGIONAL LEVELS. - IMPROVING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND CONTINGENCY PLANNING. - IMPROVING INTERNATIONAL CAPACITY FOR ACCURATE NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS. - ENSURING THAT EMERGENCY NON-FOOD NEEDS (EG., WATER, SANITATION, BASIC HEALTH) ARE ADEQUATELY ADDRESSED. - TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIV/AIDS- AFFECTED COMMUNITIES. THE G8 REPRESENTATIVES IN ROME CONFIRM THEIR WILLINGNESS TO PLAY THEIR FULL PART IN ADDRESSING THESE ADDITIONAL NEEDS AND IN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AFRICA ACTION PLAN." END UK DRAFT TEXT. -------------- G8 REACTION TO UK PROPOSAL -------------- ¶4. (SBU) THE UK APPROACH, ENDORSED BY THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND CANADA, FAVORS ADOPTING WHAT THE RUSSIAN UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 03 ROME 01268 02 OF 05 251629Z FEDERATION DELEGATE TERMED THE "LEAST COMMON DENOMINATOR" APPROACH. THE OTHER G8 DELEGATIONS JAPAN, GERMANY, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, ITALY - ALL SUGGESTED THAT THEY SUPPORTED SENDING BOTH THE UK EFFORT AND THE MORE ROBUST U.S. - FRENCH TEXT FORWARD, APPENDING TO THE LATTER DOCUMENT A LISTING OF THE SPECIFIC DIFFICULTIES NOTED. -------------- -------------- THE U.S. - FRENCH DRAFT TEXT FOR FASS CONSIDERATION -------------- -------------- ¶5. (SBU) BEGIN TEXT. "IN 2003, 38 MILLION PEOPLE IN SUB- SAHARAN AFRICA ARE AT RISK OF STARVATION. THE POTENTIAL FOR WIDESPREAD FAMINE IS WITHOUT PRECEDENT, DUE TO CHRONIC POVERTY, HIV/AIDS, CONFLICT, ERRATIC CLIMATE CONDITIONS, LACK OF SUPPORT FOR AGRICULTURE, NATURAL DISASTERS AND POOR GOVERNANCE. THE G8 SEEKS TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THEIR AID BY CONCENTRATING ON KEY PRIORITIES AND PROPOSING CONCRETE ACTION. ¶I. PREVENTION AND ACTION AGAINST THE CAUSES OF FAMINE I) EARLY WARNING: IT IS ESSENTIAL TO INCREASE FOCUS ON THE PREVENTION OF FAMINE. THEREFORE, THE G8 RECOMMENDS REVIEWING AND IMPROVING EARLY WARNING AND FORECAST SYSTEMS, AND CONTINGENCY PLANS, AT THE NATIONAL AND REGIONAL LEVELS. WE STRONGLY SUPPORT REGIONAL EFFORTS IN THIS AREA, SUCH AS THE REASCO INITIATIVE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA WITH SADC AND THE SUCCESSFUL MODEL OF THE CILSS (COMITE INTERGOUVERNEMENTAL DE LUTTE CONTRE LA SECHERESSE AU SAHEL IN WEST AFRICA). WE SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMON TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 04 ROME 01268 02 OF 05 251629Z CARRYING OUT FOOD SECURITY NEEDS ASSESSMENTS, INCLUDING AGREEMENT ON "PRE-FAMINE INDICATORS" TO TRIGGER A RESPONSE AT THE OUTSET OF A CRISIS. IN ADDITION TO AGRICULTURAL INDICATORS, NUTRITIONAL STATUS MEASURES SHOULD BE INTEGRATED INTO THE ASSESSMENTS, PERFORMED BY WFP, FAO, UNICEF, BILATERAL AGENCIES, REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND STRENGTHENED NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. IN PARTICULAR, WE ENCOURAGE THE UN AGENCIES TO PRIORITIZE ASSISTANCE TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONWIDE NUTRITION SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS IN DISASTER-PRONE COUNTRIES THROUGHOUT AFRICA. II) HIV/AIDS: MEASURES ARE REQUIRED TO TACKLE THE IMPACT OF HIV/AIDS THROUGH IMPROVED NUTRITIONAL TARGETING, ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE CARE AND TREATMENT, AND SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMMES. WE ENCOURAGE DONORS AND UN AGENCIES TO WORK WITH AFFECTED GOVERNMENTS TO TACKLE THE LOSS OF HUMAN CAPACITY AND SKILLS THROUGH HIV/AIDS, IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN VIABLE RURAL LIVELIHOODS. SPECIFICALLY, FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS SHOULD BE USED TO DISSEMINATE VACCINATIONS, INFORMATION ON AIDS AWARENESS, HEALTH AND NUTRITION. FOOD BASKETS TO UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED PTQ9500 PAGE 01 ROME 01268 03 OF 05 251629Z ACTION SSO-00 INFO LOG-00 AGRE-00 AID-00 ANHR-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 TEDE-00 IO-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02 SS-00 TEST-00 PRM-00 SAS-00 /002W -------------- 4A756E 251629Z /38 P 251620Z MAR 03 FM AMEMBASSY ROME TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8947 INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE AMEMBASSY OTTAWA AMEMBASSY MOSCOW AMEMBASSY TOKYO AMEMBASSY CANBERRA USEU BRUSSELS 3177 USMISSION GENEVA USMISSION USUN NEW YORK UNCLAS SECTION 03 OF 05 ROME 001268 SIPDIS AIDAC FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME SENSITIVE STATE FOR U/S LARSON, A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/WE, IO/EDA SWINNICK, E FOR CPENCE USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 02 ROME 01268 03 OF 05 251629Z USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ GENEVA FOR RMA BRUSSELS FOR USEU NSC FOR JDWORKEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP SUBJECT: G8 FAMINE MEETINGS IN ROME RECIPIENTS SHOULD INCLUDE ENHANCED MICRONUTRIENTS AND PROTEIN FOR HIV POSITIVE INDIVIDUALS. ADDITIONALLY, MEASURES SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO INCORPORATE HIV/AIDS INDICATORS IN ASSESSMENTS OF FOOD SECURITY AND VULNERABILITY. GIVEN THAT WOMEN PRODUCE 80 PERCENT OF THE FOOD, AS WELL AS PREPARING AND SERVING IT, SOLUTIONS ARE NEEDED TO HELP WOMEN WEAKENED BY HIV CONTINUE TO PERFORM THESE FUNCTIONS. III) NON-FOOD INPUTS: UN CONSOLIDATED APPEALS INCLUDE NON- FOOD ITEMS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE - SEEDS, TOOLS, VACCINES, MEDICINE, SCHOOL SUPPLIES, TENTS, ETC. THE G8 COUNTRIES SHOULD WORK WITH OTHER DONORS TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE NEEDS ARE MET, GIVEN THEIR ROLE IN OVERCOMING THE IMMEDIATE CRISIS. IV) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: G8 COUNTRIES WILL CONTINUE TO WORK TO HELP FOOD INSECURE COUNTRIES RECEIVE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND MAKE INFORMED CHOICES TO PROMOTE THEIR FOOD SECURITY. WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT THE NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 03 ROME 01268 03 OF 05 251629Z AFRICA'S DEVELOPMENT (NEPAD) TO ENSURE THAT NO COUNTRY GENUINELY COMMITTED TO POVERTY REDUCTION, GOOD GOVERNANCE AND ECONOMIC REFORM WILL BE DENIED THE CHANCE TO ACHIEVE THE MILLENIUM GOALS. IN EMERGENCIES, GREATER TECHNICAL COORDINATION IS REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT OPTIMUM USE IS MADE OF EXISTING LOGISTIC RESOURCES AND COMMERCIAL NETWORKS. II. FLEXIBLE APPROACHES TO FAMINE. NOTE: THIS SECTION OF TEXT IS BRACKETED, AS THERE WAS LACK OF GENERAL CONSENSUS. END NOTE. [(I) SCHOOL FEEDING: SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMS HELP GET POOR CHILDREN INTO SCHOOL, HELP THEM STAY IN SCHOOL AND HELP THEM LEARN WHILE THEY ARE THERE. MANY AGREE THAT THIS SINGLE INTERVENTION IS CRUCIAL TO ADDRESSING THE IMMEDIATE AND LONG- TERM CRISES. IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING ESSENTIAL NUTRITION, THEY INCREASE ENROLMENT AND ATTENDANCE AND PROVIDE A PIPELINE FOR THE DELIVERY OF OTHER NECESSARY INPUTS, SUCH AS DE-WORMING INTERVENTIONS, VACCINES AND AWARENESS PROGRAMS FOR PARENTS. THESE PROGRAMMES NEED TO BE INTEGRATED INTO THE PRIORITIES AND RELEVANT SECTOR POLICIES OF NATIONAL GOVERNMENTS, AND COORDINATED WITH OTHER UN AGENCIES, IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF THE EDUCATION FOR ALL INITIATIVE. II) TWINNING: THE G8 ENCOURAGES WFP'S ESTABLISHMENT OF PROCEDURES FOR TWINNING BETWEEN THOSE NON-TRADITIONAL DONORS WHO HAVE FOOD STOCKS BUT CANNOT PAY FOR TRANSPORT AND THOSE DONORS WHO ARE ABLE TO COVER THESE COSTS. THESE GUIDELINES MUST DEFINE SPECIFIC CRITERIA FOR ITS USE AND SHOULD INCLUDE A DEDICATED FUND TO SUPPORT THESE EFFORTS. UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 04 ROME 01268 03 OF 05 251629Z III) MICRO-LEVEL ASSISTANCE: SPECIFIC INITIATIVES SHOULD PROVIDE CASH ASSISTANCE TO VULNERABLE POPULATIONS, ESPECIALLY WOMEN, AFTER THE FIRST INDICATIONS OF A POTENTIAL FAMINE SITUATION. ADDITIONALLY, DONORS AND UN AGENCIES SHOULD WORK TO STRENGTHEN SMALL, COMMUNITY-BASED GROUPS IN DISASTER-PRONE AREAS. IV) CASH-FOR-WORK: CASH-FOR-WORK PROGRAMS ALLOW GOVERNMENTS TO USE ASSISTANCE MONIES TO PAY PEOPLE TO WORK (SUCH AS IN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES LIKE PLANTING, IRRIGATION OR ROAD CONSTRUCTIONS) AND CAN BE A PARTICULARLY APPROPRIATE TOOL IN CASES WHERE FOOD IS AVAILABLE, BUT THE POPULATION DOES NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO PURCHASE. FOOD AID SHOULD BE PROVIDED AS APPROPRIATE. PREVENTION DEPENDS ON BETTER CO-ORDINATION AND COHERENCE BETWEEN MULTILATERAL INSTITUTIONS, NGO'S AND GOVERNMENTS OF THE AFFECTED COUNTRIES AND IMPROVING LOCAL MARKETS THROUGH REGIONAL CO-OPERATION. THESE PROGRAMS, ALONG WITH FOOD-FOR- WORK, STRENGTHEN LOCAL LEADERSHIP AND STRUCTURES AND IMPROVE UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED PTQ9506 PAGE 01 ROME 01268 04 OF 05 251630Z ACTION SSO-00 INFO LOG-00 AGRE-00 AID-00 ANHR-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 TEDE-00 IO-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02 SS-00 TEST-00 PRM-00 SAS-00 /002W -------------- 4A7584 251630Z /38 P 251620Z MAR 03 FM AMEMBASSY ROME TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8948 INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE AMEMBASSY OTTAWA AMEMBASSY MOSCOW AMEMBASSY TOKYO AMEMBASSY CANBERRA USEU BRUSSELS 3178 USMISSION GENEVA USMISSION USUN NEW YORK UNCLAS SECTION 04 OF 05 ROME 001268 SIPDIS AIDAC FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME SENSITIVE STATE FOR U/S LARSON, A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/WE, IO/EDA SWINNICK, E FOR CPENCE USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 02 ROME 01268 04 OF 05 251630Z USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ GENEVA FOR RMA BRUSSELS FOR USEU NSC FOR JDWORKEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP SUBJECT: G8 FAMINE MEETINGS IN ROME COPING MECHANISMS. V) MARKET DISTRIBUTION: G8 COUNTRIES SHOULD INCREASE THE USE OF "MARKET DISTRIBUTION" OF FOOD AID IN FAMINE PREVENTION INITIATIVES. MARKET DISTRIBUTION ACTIVITIES ARE DEFINED AS THE CONTROLLED SALE OF FOOD COMMODITIES INTO MARKETS THAT HAVE LOST, OR WILL LOSE, THE CAPACITY TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE COMMODITIES TO THE LOCAL POPULATION. EFFORTS SHOULD ALSO BE MADE TO IMPROVE THE NATIONAL CAPACITY OF COUNTRIES TO IMPORT FOOD ON TIME TO WHERE IT IS NEEDED.] III. COMMITMENT TO INSURE LONG-TERM FOOD SECURITY I) REINVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT: THERE IS AN URGENT NEED TO REVERSE THE TREND IN LACK OF INVESTMENT AND DISINVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURE IN THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, BOTH THROUGH BILATERAL DONORS, AS WELL AS THROUGH THE MULTI- LATERAL LENDING INSTITUTIONS. THIS INCLUDES HELPING TO CREATE A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR, IMPROVING WIDER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, AND IMPLEMENTING UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 03 ROME 01268 04 OF 05 251630Z ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURES AND OPEN DEMOCRATIC SYSTEMS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE WITH OUR AFRICAN PARTNERS TO SUPPORT THE OBJECTIVES OF THE NEPAD. II) HUMAN RESOURCE REPLENISHMENT: IN THE FACE OF AIDS, AFRICAN GOVERNMENTS ARE LOSING THE CAPACITY TO IMPLEMENT PROGRAMS TO BENEFIT THEIR POPULATIONS. CREATIVE MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS ON A ONE-ON- ONE BASIS TO ENHANCE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (I.E. PEACE CORPS, FARMER-TO-FARMER, UN VOLUNTEERS, LELAND HUNGER FELLOWS, SISTER CITIES, ETC.). ADDITIONALLY, EXPATRIATES OF SPECIFIC COUNTRIES SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO ASSIST THEIR COUNTRIES THROUGH MORE THAN JUST REMITTANCES. III) WATER IN AGRICULTURE: EFFORTS SHOULD BE EXPANDED BY FAO AND OTHERS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF WATER USAGE FOR AGRICULTURE. IMPROVEMENTS TO SMALL-SCALE IRRIGATION, WATER HARVESTING SYSTEMS, LOW-COST PUMPS, SMALL DAM PROGRAMS AND PRECISION IRRIGATION SHOULD BE PURSUED WITH NATIONAL GOVERNMENTS. MAJOR RIVER BASIN STUDIES ON THE USE OF WATER RESOURCES IN AFRICA SHOULD BE COMPLETED WITH DISPATCH AND RECOMMENDATIONS IMPLEMENTED. IV) HIV/AIDS: ENHANCED ACTION AGAINST THE HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC IS NEEDED, INCLUDING ADDRESSING THE PLIGHT OF ORPHANS AND OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS AND THE LOSS OF HUMAN SKILLS AND CAPACITY. EFFORTS TO SUPPORT EDUCATION AND AIDS AWARENESS, WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON GIRLS AND WOMEN, SHOULD BE ENHANCED. MICRO-ENTERPRISE PROJECTS SHOULD FOCUS ESPECIALLY ON WOMEN, UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 04 ROME 01268 04 OF 05 251630Z AS THEY ARE THE KEY FOOD PROVIDERS AND THE KEY TO FIGHTING AIDS. G8 COUNTRIES AND UN AGENCIES ARE URGED TO BECOME FORCEFUL ADVOCATES WITH NATIONAL LEADERS, PARLIAMENTARIANS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO DEVELOP POLICIES TO SUPPORT ORPHANS AND STRENGTHEN PROTECTION FOR WOMEN. V) AGRICULTURE SCIENCE: THE G8 SHOULD PROVIDE MORE RESEARCH, TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY AND BEST PRACTICES TO IMPROVE AGRICULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE. G8 COUNTRIES SHOULD REDOUBLE THEIR EFFORTS TO INCREASE AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, ESPECIALLY THE LEAST DEVELOPED, THROUGH IMPROVED POLICY FRAMEWORKS AND ADDITIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING BIOTECHNOLOGY. WE ENCOURAGE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS, SUCH AS UNIVERSITIES, FOCUSED ON AGRICULTURE TO CULTIVATE CURRENT AND DEVELOP NEW PARTNERSHIPS WITH SIMILAR INSTITUTIONS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. VI) INFRASTRUCTURE: CONTINUED EMPHASIS SHOULD BE PLACED ON BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE NECESSARY TO CARRY PRODUCTS TO UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED PTQ9508 PAGE 01 ROME 01268 05 OF 05 251630Z ACTION SSO-00 INFO LOG-00 AGRE-00 AID-00 ANHR-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 TEDE-00 IO-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02 SS-00 TEST-00 PRM-00 SAS-00 /002W -------------- 4A7599 251630Z /38 P 251620Z MAR 03 FM AMEMBASSY ROME TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8949 INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE AMEMBASSY OTTAWA AMEMBASSY MOSCOW AMEMBASSY TOKYO AMEMBASSY CANBERRA USEU BRUSSELS 3179 USMISSION GENEVA USMISSION USUN NEW YORK UNCLAS SECTION 05 OF 05 ROME 001268 SIPDIS AIDAC FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME SENSITIVE STATE FOR U/S LARSON, A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/WE, IO/EDA SWINNICK, E FOR CPENCE USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 02 ROME 01268 05 OF 05 251630Z USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ GENEVA FOR RMA BRUSSELS FOR USEU NSC FOR JDWORKEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP SUBJECT: G8 FAMINE MEETINGS IN ROME MARKET, SUCH AS ROADS AND RAILWAYS. THIS SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE PROVISION OF RURAL CREDIT AND FINANCE, VALUE-ADDED INITIATIVES IN FOOD PROCESSING, STORAGE FACILITIES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO BRIDGE THE RURAL DIGITAL DIVIDE. VII) RURAL MICRO-CREDIT: THE G8 COUNTRIES WILL ENCOURAGE THE WORLD BANK, IFAD AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO INCREASE THEIR FUNDING FOR RURAL MICRO- FINANCE, AIMED AT THE POOREST OF THE POOR. THESE EFFORTS HAVE PROVEN SUCCESSFUL AT INCREASING INCOME AND SUBSEQUENTLY IMPROVING FOOD SECURITY." END OF U.S. - FRENCH DRAFT TEXT. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶6. (SBU) THE DESIRE OF BOTH THE FRENCH AND U.S. CO-CHAIRS TO MOVE THE PROCESS FORWARD IS CLEAR, GIVEN OUR SENSE OF URGENCY IN ADDRESSING THE PRESENT THREAT OF FAMINE IN SUB- SAHARAN AFRICA. THE UK, THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND CANADA UNCLASSIFIED PAGE 03 ROME 01268 05 OF 05 251630Z PREFER A "MINIMALIST" APPROACH TO PROPOSALS DIRECTED AT COMBATING FAMINE. THEY ARE RETICENT TO BE SEEN AS AHEAD OF THE CURVE IN ENDORSING ANY CONCEPT THAT HAS NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY VETTED AND APPROVED IN OTHER FORA. WHEN ASKED TO SUPPORT THE UK DOCUMENT, I REFUSED BECAUSE, BEING SO "WATERED DOWN," IT SIMPLY DID NOT ACCOMPLISH THE GOALS WE SET OUT TO ACHIEVE. FORTUNATELY, OUR FRENCH CO-CHAIR, AMBASSADOR CHEREAU SIDED WITH US AND SEIZED THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENSURE THAT BOTH DOCUMENTS WOULD BE FORWARDED - LEAVING IT FOR THE SOUS SHERPAS TO SEPARATE THE "WHEAT FROM THE CHAFF." ¶7. (SBU) IN GENERAL, JAPAN AND ITALY WERE MOSTLY SUPPORTIVE OF THE U.S.- FRENCH DRAFT. GERMANY AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION WERE ALSO SUPPORTIVE WITH SOME "QUALIFIERS." THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION WAS ADAMANTLY OPPOSED TO THE ENTIRE U.S.-FRENCH TEXT, WHICH SURPRISED THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR WHO COMMENTED THAT HE WAS HEARING A "DIFFERENT SOUND" FROM BRUSSELS. FINALLY, THE UK AND CANADA DUG IN ON "LESSER IS BETTER." NOTE: CANADA'S AMBASSADOR BOB FOWLER WAS NOT PRESENT AT TODAY'S MEETING. END NOTE. ¶8. (U) THE WFP 2003 FOOD NEEDS AND COMMITMENT ANALYSIS WILL BE SENT VIA E-MAIL TO STATE/IO AND STATE/E. HALL UNCLASSIFIED > 2003ROME01268 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED