Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03ROME2102
2003-05-14 14:17:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Rome
Cable title:
TFIZ01: UPDATE ON FAO AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS IN
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 ROME 002102
SIPDIS
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 02102 01 OF 04 141628Z
AIDAC
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/NE, EUR/WE,
SA/INS, IO/EDA SWINNICK
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS, RTILSWORTH AND LPANASUK
USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA
BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
GENEVA FOR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ
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 UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP
SUBJECT: TFIZ01: UPDATE ON FAO AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS IN
IRAQ
REF: (A) ROME 00409
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY.
NOT SUITABLE FOR INTERNET POSTING.
-------
SUMMARY
-------
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 02102 01 OF 04 141628Z
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 ROME 002102
SIPDIS
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 02102 01 OF 04 141628Z
AIDAC
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/NE, EUR/WE,
SA/INS, IO/EDA SWINNICK
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS, RTILSWORTH AND LPANASUK
USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA
BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
GENEVA FOR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ
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 UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP
SUBJECT: TFIZ01: UPDATE ON FAO AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS IN
IRAQ
REF: (A) ROME 00409
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY.
NOT SUITABLE FOR INTERNET POSTING.
--------------
SUMMARY
--------------
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 02102 01 OF 04 141628Z
1. (SBU) US MISSION REVIEWED WITH FAO ON MAY 6 THE STATUS OF
FAO PLANS TO RESUSCITATE ITS INTERVENTIONS IN IRAQ, AND
PARTICULARLY IN THE NORTHERN GOVERNORATES. FAO INTERNATIONAL
STAFF IS BEING REDEPLOYED IN INCREASING NUMBERS - SOME 50
WILL BE POSITIONED IN THE NORTHERN SECTOR BY-MID JUNE. FAO
(AS A RESULT OF UNSC 1472 AND 1476) HAS REVIEWED SOME USD
1.5 BILLION IN CONTRACTS RELATED TO IMPORTATION OF AG-
RELATED GOODS, BUT HAS PRIORITIZED ONLY USD 81 MILLION AS
CONTRACTS "DOABLE" BEFORE THE JUNE 3 DEADLINE. IN ADDITION,
UNDER THE TERMS OF THE "13 PERCENT ACCOUNT," FAO HAS
APPROXIMATELY USD 215 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR EXPENDITURE,
SUBJECT TO AN OIP "GO-AHEAD" FROM THE UNSC. US MISSION WILL
ENDEAVOR TO HELP ADDRESS FAO-USG COMMUNICATION ISSUES AND
IDENTIFY THE PRIME ENTITIES ON THE U.S. SIDE TO SERVE AS
CONDUITS FOR FAO INFORMATION/INQUIRIES. END SUMMARY.
--------------
BACKGROUND
--------------
2. (SBU) ON MAY 6, 2003, FODAG MISSION REPS TIM LAVELLE
(USAID),ANITA MENGHETTI (USAID),AND KATIE NISHIURA
(USDA/FAS) MET WITH LAURENT THOMAS, CHIEF, SPECIAL EMERGENCY
PROGRAMMES SERVICE, EMERGENCY OPERATIONS AND REHABILITATION
DIVISION, FAO, REGARDING FAO'S ASSESSMENT OF THE SITUATION
IN IRAQ AND PROSPECTS FOR RENEWED FAO ACTIVITIES IN THAT
COUNTRY. THOMAS SAID IT WAS TIME FOR FAO TO GET "BACK IN
BUSINESS IN IRAQ" AND EXPRESSED EAGERNESS FOR HIS FIELD
STAFF TO RESUME ACTIVITIES ON THE GROUND. HE ALSO INDICATED
THAT FAO WAS BEGINNING TO PREPARE FOR HANDING OVER
RESPONSIBILITY FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT TO THE NEW
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 02102 01 OF 04 141628Z
GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR.
3. (SBU) THOMAS PROVIDED A SNAPSHOT OF FAO'S FINANCIAL
PICTURE VIS-A-VIS IRAQ. THOMAS REPORTED THAT UNDER THE OIL-
FOR-FOOD PROGRAM, FAO (AS A RESULT OF UNSC 1472 AND LATER
1476) HAS REVIEWED SOME USD 1.5 BILLION IN CONTRACTS RELATED
TO IMPORTATION OF AG-RELATED GOODS, BUT HAS PRIORITIZED ONLY
USD 81 MILLION AS CONTRACTS "DOABLE" BEFORE THE JUNE 3
DEADLINE. THOMAS COMMENTED THAT IF THERE IS AN EXTENSION OF
UNSC 1476 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2003, THEN FAO WOULD BE ABLE TO
INCREASE THE NUMBER OF "DOABLE" CONTRACTS UP TO AROUND USD
200 MILLION IN AGRICULTURAL OFF IMPORTS. BEYOND THIS, FAO,
UNDER THE TERMS OF THE "13 PERCENT ACCOUNT," HAS
APPROXIMATELY USD 215 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR EXPENDITURE,
SUBJECT TO AN OIP "GO-AHEAD" FROM THE UNITED NATIONS
SECURITY COUNCIL (UNSC). NOTE: FAO IS CONCERNED THAT THESE
FUNDS CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE SO AS NOT TO DISRUPT ON GOING
AND PLANNED AGRICULTURAL INTERVENTIONS. AS PER FAO, MOST OF
THE LOCAL NORTHERN GOVERNORATE AUTHORITIES SHARE THIS VIEW.
END NOTE.
4. (SBU) IN SUMMARY, IT SEEMS FAO HAS AVAILABLE TO IT (OR
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ0070
PAGE 01 ROME 02102 02 OF 04 141628Z
ACTION AID-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AGRE-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 INL-00 DOTE-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 FAAE-00 UTED-00 VC-00
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 VCE-00 NEA-00 NSAE-00 NSCE-00
OES-00 OIC-02 PER-00 IRM-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 SA-00
EPAE-00 ECA-00 PRM-00 DRL-01 NFAT-00 SAS-00 /003W
-------------- 64FD36 141635Z /38
P 141417Z MAY 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9877
INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
AMEMBASSY AMMAN
AMEMBASSY ANKARA
AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS
AMEMBASSY KUWAIT
AMEMBASSY NICOSIA
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
USEU BRUSSELS 3226
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USNATO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
JOINT STAFF WASHDC
USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL
USCINCEUR VAIHINGEN GE
UNCLAS SECTION 02 OF 04 ROME 002102
SIPDIS
AIDAC
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 02102 02 OF 04 141628Z
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/NE, EUR/WE,
SA/INS, IO/EDA SWINNICK
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS, RTILSWORTH AND LPANASUK
USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA
BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
GENEVA FOR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ
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 UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP
SUBJECT: TFIZ01: UPDATE ON FAO AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS IN
IRAQ
WILL LIKELY BE ABLE TO ACCESS) SOME FAIRLY SIZEABLE
RESOURCES TO CONTINUE ITS AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
ACTIVITIES, PARTICULARLY IF OFF IS EXTENDED. NOTE: WE DID
NOT DISCUSS THE SCENARIO OF OFF NOT BEING EXTENDED. END
NOTE.
5. (SBU) THOMAS EXPRESSED A STRONG DESIRE TO STREAMLINE
COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN FAO AND THE USG AND TO COOPERATE WITH
U.S. AGRICULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICIALS IN IRAQ. HE
ALSO INDICATED THAT HE WAS INTERESTED IN GOING TO WASHINGTON
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 02102 02 OF 04 141628Z
TO MEET WITH APPROPRIATE USG OFFICIALS AND NGO
REPRESENTATIVES THERE ON AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ISSUES.
--------------
NORTHERN IRAQ
--------------
6. (SBU) AN INITIAL GROUP OF FAO INTERNATIONAL STAFF ENTERED
NORTHERN IRAQ THIS PAST WEEK AND BY MID-JUNE FAO PLANS TO
HAVE 50 INTERNATIONALS IN PLACE. DUE TO THE LACK OF DAMAGE
DURING THE WAR, ESTABLISHED RELATIONS BETWEEN FAO STAFF AND
LOCALS, AND THE EXISTING FAO INFRASTRUCTURE, THOMAS EXPECTS
RESUMPTION OF WORK IN THE NORTHERN GOVERNORATES TO BE "AN
EASY JOB."
7. (SBU) FAO PLANS TO RELEASE A THREE-YEAR BLUEPRINT FOR THE
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN THE NORTH THIS WEEK. THE PLAN
REPRESENTS THE ACCUMULATED KNOW HOW OF THE FAO IN THAT PART
OF THE COUNTRY, AND FAO HOPES TO STIMULATE ACTION WITH ITS
"ROLL OUT." FAO ALSO PLANS TO RELEASE OVER THE NEXT TWO
WEEKS A SERIES OF REPORTS ON A VARIETY OF AGRICULTURAL
TOPICS, E.G., THOMAS SHOWED US A TWO-INCH THICK DRAFT REPORT
ON THE HYDROGEOLOGY OF NORTHERN IRAQ. SIMILAR STUDIES
ENCOMPASS THE LIVESTOCK SECTOR, AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
REHABILITATION, AND SO ON.
8. (SBU) FAO ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTH PRESENTLY DEPEND UPON
OIL-FOR-FOOD (OFF) RESOURCES. THOMAS HOPES FOR/ANTICIPATES
AN EXTENSION OF SCR 1472/76 FUNDING FOR AGRICULTURAL
DEVELOPMENT AT PRE-WAR LEVELS THROUGH THE END OF 2003, WITH
CONTINUING FUNDING INTO 2004 TO ALLOW FOR PROPER "HAND OVER"
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 02102 02 OF 04 141628Z
OF THE EFFORT BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
--------------
SOUTH/CENTRAL IRAQ
--------------
9. (SBU) FAO OFFICE IN BAGHDAD WAS LOOTED AND MUST BE
ENTIRELY REBUILT/REFURBISHED. FAO HAS NOT HAD A PERMANENT
PRESENCE IN OTHER AREAS OF THE CENTER/SOUTH. FAO'S PLAN IS
TO HAVE APPROXIMATELY 20 INTERNATIONAL STAFF IN SITU BY
SEPTEMBER.
10. (SBU) REPORTEDLY, USD 500 MILLION IN WAREHOUSED
AGRICULTURAL INPUTS WERE LOOTED, BUT FAO HAS NOT BEEN ABLE
TO VERIFY THIS.
11. (SBU) FAO HAS BEEN DISCUSSING WITH WFP A PLAN FOR A
JOINT CROP/FOOD ASSESSMENT MISSION IN FIRST WEEK OF JUNE.
THERE IS SOME QUESTION, HOWEVER, AS TO WHETHER ADEQUATE
SECURITY WILL BE IN PLACE BY THEN.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ0071
PAGE 01 ROME 02102 03 OF 04 141628Z
ACTION AID-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AGRE-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 INL-00 USNW-00
DOTE-00 SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 FAAE-00 UTED-00
VC-00 TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 L-00 VCE-00 NEA-00
NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 IRM-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00
SA-00 ECA-00 PRM-00 DRL-01 NFAT-00 SAS-00 /003W
-------------- 64FD3D 141636Z /38
P 141417Z MAY 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9878
INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
AMEMBASSY AMMAN
AMEMBASSY ANKARA
AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS
AMEMBASSY KUWAIT
AMEMBASSY NICOSIA
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
USEU BRUSSELS 3227
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USNATO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
JOINT STAFF WASHDC
USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL
USCINCEUR VAIHINGEN GE
UNCLAS SECTION 03 OF 04 ROME 002102
SIPDIS
AIDAC
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 02102 03 OF 04 141628Z
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/NE, EUR/WE,
SA/INS, IO/EDA SWINNICK
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS, RTILSWORTH AND LPANASUK
USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA
BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
GENEVA FOR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ
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 UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP
SUBJECT: TFIZ01: UPDATE ON FAO AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS IN
IRAQ
--------------
2003 AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION OUTLOOK
--------------
12. (SBU) THE LATE SPRING/EARLY SUMMER 2003 CROPS FORECAST
FOR IRAQ IS AS FOLLOWS: 850,000 - 1 MILLION METRIC TONS (MT)
OF WHEAT; 600,000-700,000 MT BARLEY. NOTE: BARLEY
PRODUCTION TREND IS UPWARDS FOR THE NORTHERN REGION DUE TO
INCREASING DEMAND FOR ANIMAL FEED, AND POOR PRICES FOR WHEAT
(ALLEGEDLY DEPRESSED BY OFF DISTRIBUTIONS). FALL 2003 CROPS
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 02102 03 OF 04 141628Z
FORECAST: 100,000 MT RICE; 80,000 MT CORN (ASSUMES SEEDED
AREA SIMILAR TO LAST YEAR, AND IRRIGATION RESTORED).
HARVESTING PROGRESS: SECURITY SITUATION IN THE SOUTH IS
LIKELY TO DISRUPT USUAL PATTERN OF "RENTAL" COMBINES, WHO
BEGIN TO WORK FIRST IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE COUNTRY AND
GRADUALLY FOLLOW THE HARVEST NORTHWARD.
13. (SBU) ON THE PRESSING ISSUE OF AERIAL SPRAYING OF DATE
PALMS IN THE CENTER/SOUTH GOVERNORATES, THOMAS INFORMED THAT
FAO IS COMMITTED TO "MAKE THIS HAPPEN," WITH THE CAVEAT THAT
THE SPRAYING BE CONDUCTED AT THE RIGHT TIME, BE DONE
PROPERLY, AND BE ACCOMPANIED WITH APPROPRIATE GROUND
SURVEYS.
14. (SBU) THOMAS SUGGESTED USG/FAO ESTABLISH SPECIFIC
CONTACT POINTS TO MANAGE INFORMATION FLOW. FAO IS PRESENTLY
BESET BY INQUIRIES FROM MANY POINTS WITHIN THE USG AND WOULD
BENEFIT FROM THE DESIGNATION OF A PRIME CONTACT. THOMAS
APPRECIATED THE REFERENCE TO FAO IRAQ ACTIVITIES IN THE
RECENT U/S FAS J.B.PENN/DAN AMSTUTZ PRESS CONFERENCE. HE
BELIEVES FAO CAN WORK CLOSELY WITH MR. AMSTUTZ.
15. (SBU) THOMAS FORESEES A ONE YEAR "EXIT STRATEGY" FOR THE
HANDOVER OF FAO'S ROGRAM TO NEW GOVERNMENT/PRIVATE SECTOR
AND RETUR TO THE USUAL FAO ROLE OF PROVIDING TECHNICAL
ASISTANCE. NOTE: FAO HAS JUST HIRED A VERY KNOWLEDGEBLE EX-
FAO REP IN IRAQ, AMIR KAHLIL (SUDANESE),WHO WILL NOW SERVE
AS AN ADVISER BASED IN NEW YOK CITY. FAO IS ALSO ATTENDING
THIS WEEK IN NEW YOK A UN DEVELOPMENT GROUP (UNDG) MEETING
ON IRAQ,WITH DAUD KHAN OF THE ORGANIZATION'S INVESTMENT
CENTER REPRESENTING FAO. END NOTE.
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 02102 03 OF 04 141628Z
16. (SBU) THOMAS PROPOSED COMING TO WASHINGTON TO MEET
W/USG, AND SUGGESTED IT MAY BE GOOD FOR FAO ASSISTANT
DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR TECHNICAL COOPERATION HENRI CARSALADE
(FRENCH CITIZEN) TO ALSO VISIT AT A LATER DATE. THOMAS ALSO
PROPOSED MEETING WITH NGOS WHILE IN U.S.
--------------
COMMENT
--------------
17. (SBU) US MISSION WILL ENDEAVOR TO HELP ADDRESS FAO-USG
COMMUNICATIONS ISSUE AND IDENTIFY THE PRIME ENTITIES ON THE
U.S. SIDE TO SERVE AS CONDUITS FOR FAO
INFORMATION/INQUIRIES. WE WOULD ALSO BE HAPPY TO ARRANGE
THOMAS' VISIT TO WASHINGTON, PREFERABLY WHEN THE APPROPRIATE
PEOPLE ARE IN TOWN, AND SHORTLY AFTER THE OFFICIAL FAO
RELEASE OF ITS AG PLANS FOR THE NORTH. WE HAVE COUNSELED
FAO THAT IT WOULD BE BEST TO HOLD OFF ON THE HIGHER-LEVEL
CARSALADE VISIT FOR THE TIME BEING - SUGGESTING THAT A
TECHNICAL-LEVEL CONSULTATION AT THIS JUNCTURE IS PREFERABLE.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ0072
PAGE 01 ROME 02102 04 OF 04 141628Z
ACTION AID-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AGRE-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 INL-00 DOTE-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 FAAE-00 UTED-00 VC-00
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 VCE-00 NEA-00 NSAE-00 NSCE-00
OES-00 OIC-02 IRM-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 SA-00 PRM-00
DRL-01 NFAT-00 SAS-00 /003W
-------------- 64FD41 141636Z /38
P 141417Z MAY 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9879
INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
AMEMBASSY AMMAN
AMEMBASSY ANKARA
AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS
AMEMBASSY KUWAIT
AMEMBASSY NICOSIA
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
USEU BRUSSELS 3228
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USNATO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
JOINT STAFF WASHDC
USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL
USCINCEUR VAIHINGEN GE
UNCLAS SECTION 04 OF 04 ROME 002102
SIPDIS
AIDAC
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 02102 04 OF 04 141628Z
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/NE, EUR/WE,
SA/INS, IO/EDA SWINNICK
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS, RTILSWORTH AND LPANASUK
USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA
BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
GENEVA FOR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ
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 UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP
SUBJECT: TFIZ01: UPDATE ON FAO AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS IN
IRAQ
HALL
UNCLASSIFIED
>
2003ROME02102 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
SIPDIS
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 02102 01 OF 04 141628Z
AIDAC
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/NE, EUR/WE,
SA/INS, IO/EDA SWINNICK
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS, RTILSWORTH AND LPANASUK
USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA
BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
GENEVA FOR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ
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 UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP
SUBJECT: TFIZ01: UPDATE ON FAO AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS IN
IRAQ
REF: (A) ROME 00409
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY.
NOT SUITABLE FOR INTERNET POSTING.
--------------
SUMMARY
--------------
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 02102 01 OF 04 141628Z
1. (SBU) US MISSION REVIEWED WITH FAO ON MAY 6 THE STATUS OF
FAO PLANS TO RESUSCITATE ITS INTERVENTIONS IN IRAQ, AND
PARTICULARLY IN THE NORTHERN GOVERNORATES. FAO INTERNATIONAL
STAFF IS BEING REDEPLOYED IN INCREASING NUMBERS - SOME 50
WILL BE POSITIONED IN THE NORTHERN SECTOR BY-MID JUNE. FAO
(AS A RESULT OF UNSC 1472 AND 1476) HAS REVIEWED SOME USD
1.5 BILLION IN CONTRACTS RELATED TO IMPORTATION OF AG-
RELATED GOODS, BUT HAS PRIORITIZED ONLY USD 81 MILLION AS
CONTRACTS "DOABLE" BEFORE THE JUNE 3 DEADLINE. IN ADDITION,
UNDER THE TERMS OF THE "13 PERCENT ACCOUNT," FAO HAS
APPROXIMATELY USD 215 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR EXPENDITURE,
SUBJECT TO AN OIP "GO-AHEAD" FROM THE UNSC. US MISSION WILL
ENDEAVOR TO HELP ADDRESS FAO-USG COMMUNICATION ISSUES AND
IDENTIFY THE PRIME ENTITIES ON THE U.S. SIDE TO SERVE AS
CONDUITS FOR FAO INFORMATION/INQUIRIES. END SUMMARY.
--------------
BACKGROUND
--------------
2. (SBU) ON MAY 6, 2003, FODAG MISSION REPS TIM LAVELLE
(USAID),ANITA MENGHETTI (USAID),AND KATIE NISHIURA
(USDA/FAS) MET WITH LAURENT THOMAS, CHIEF, SPECIAL EMERGENCY
PROGRAMMES SERVICE, EMERGENCY OPERATIONS AND REHABILITATION
DIVISION, FAO, REGARDING FAO'S ASSESSMENT OF THE SITUATION
IN IRAQ AND PROSPECTS FOR RENEWED FAO ACTIVITIES IN THAT
COUNTRY. THOMAS SAID IT WAS TIME FOR FAO TO GET "BACK IN
BUSINESS IN IRAQ" AND EXPRESSED EAGERNESS FOR HIS FIELD
STAFF TO RESUME ACTIVITIES ON THE GROUND. HE ALSO INDICATED
THAT FAO WAS BEGINNING TO PREPARE FOR HANDING OVER
RESPONSIBILITY FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT TO THE NEW
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 02102 01 OF 04 141628Z
GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR.
3. (SBU) THOMAS PROVIDED A SNAPSHOT OF FAO'S FINANCIAL
PICTURE VIS-A-VIS IRAQ. THOMAS REPORTED THAT UNDER THE OIL-
FOR-FOOD PROGRAM, FAO (AS A RESULT OF UNSC 1472 AND LATER
1476) HAS REVIEWED SOME USD 1.5 BILLION IN CONTRACTS RELATED
TO IMPORTATION OF AG-RELATED GOODS, BUT HAS PRIORITIZED ONLY
USD 81 MILLION AS CONTRACTS "DOABLE" BEFORE THE JUNE 3
DEADLINE. THOMAS COMMENTED THAT IF THERE IS AN EXTENSION OF
UNSC 1476 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2003, THEN FAO WOULD BE ABLE TO
INCREASE THE NUMBER OF "DOABLE" CONTRACTS UP TO AROUND USD
200 MILLION IN AGRICULTURAL OFF IMPORTS. BEYOND THIS, FAO,
UNDER THE TERMS OF THE "13 PERCENT ACCOUNT," HAS
APPROXIMATELY USD 215 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR EXPENDITURE,
SUBJECT TO AN OIP "GO-AHEAD" FROM THE UNITED NATIONS
SECURITY COUNCIL (UNSC). NOTE: FAO IS CONCERNED THAT THESE
FUNDS CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE SO AS NOT TO DISRUPT ON GOING
AND PLANNED AGRICULTURAL INTERVENTIONS. AS PER FAO, MOST OF
THE LOCAL NORTHERN GOVERNORATE AUTHORITIES SHARE THIS VIEW.
END NOTE.
4. (SBU) IN SUMMARY, IT SEEMS FAO HAS AVAILABLE TO IT (OR
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ0070
PAGE 01 ROME 02102 02 OF 04 141628Z
ACTION AID-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AGRE-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 INL-00 DOTE-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 FAAE-00 UTED-00 VC-00
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 VCE-00 NEA-00 NSAE-00 NSCE-00
OES-00 OIC-02 PER-00 IRM-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 SA-00
EPAE-00 ECA-00 PRM-00 DRL-01 NFAT-00 SAS-00 /003W
-------------- 64FD36 141635Z /38
P 141417Z MAY 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9877
INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
AMEMBASSY AMMAN
AMEMBASSY ANKARA
AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS
AMEMBASSY KUWAIT
AMEMBASSY NICOSIA
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
USEU BRUSSELS 3226
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USNATO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
JOINT STAFF WASHDC
USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL
USCINCEUR VAIHINGEN GE
UNCLAS SECTION 02 OF 04 ROME 002102
SIPDIS
AIDAC
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 02102 02 OF 04 141628Z
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/NE, EUR/WE,
SA/INS, IO/EDA SWINNICK
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS, RTILSWORTH AND LPANASUK
USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA
BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
GENEVA FOR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ
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 UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP
SUBJECT: TFIZ01: UPDATE ON FAO AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS IN
IRAQ
WILL LIKELY BE ABLE TO ACCESS) SOME FAIRLY SIZEABLE
RESOURCES TO CONTINUE ITS AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
ACTIVITIES, PARTICULARLY IF OFF IS EXTENDED. NOTE: WE DID
NOT DISCUSS THE SCENARIO OF OFF NOT BEING EXTENDED. END
NOTE.
5. (SBU) THOMAS EXPRESSED A STRONG DESIRE TO STREAMLINE
COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN FAO AND THE USG AND TO COOPERATE WITH
U.S. AGRICULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICIALS IN IRAQ. HE
ALSO INDICATED THAT HE WAS INTERESTED IN GOING TO WASHINGTON
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 02102 02 OF 04 141628Z
TO MEET WITH APPROPRIATE USG OFFICIALS AND NGO
REPRESENTATIVES THERE ON AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ISSUES.
--------------
NORTHERN IRAQ
--------------
6. (SBU) AN INITIAL GROUP OF FAO INTERNATIONAL STAFF ENTERED
NORTHERN IRAQ THIS PAST WEEK AND BY MID-JUNE FAO PLANS TO
HAVE 50 INTERNATIONALS IN PLACE. DUE TO THE LACK OF DAMAGE
DURING THE WAR, ESTABLISHED RELATIONS BETWEEN FAO STAFF AND
LOCALS, AND THE EXISTING FAO INFRASTRUCTURE, THOMAS EXPECTS
RESUMPTION OF WORK IN THE NORTHERN GOVERNORATES TO BE "AN
EASY JOB."
7. (SBU) FAO PLANS TO RELEASE A THREE-YEAR BLUEPRINT FOR THE
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN THE NORTH THIS WEEK. THE PLAN
REPRESENTS THE ACCUMULATED KNOW HOW OF THE FAO IN THAT PART
OF THE COUNTRY, AND FAO HOPES TO STIMULATE ACTION WITH ITS
"ROLL OUT." FAO ALSO PLANS TO RELEASE OVER THE NEXT TWO
WEEKS A SERIES OF REPORTS ON A VARIETY OF AGRICULTURAL
TOPICS, E.G., THOMAS SHOWED US A TWO-INCH THICK DRAFT REPORT
ON THE HYDROGEOLOGY OF NORTHERN IRAQ. SIMILAR STUDIES
ENCOMPASS THE LIVESTOCK SECTOR, AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
REHABILITATION, AND SO ON.
8. (SBU) FAO ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTH PRESENTLY DEPEND UPON
OIL-FOR-FOOD (OFF) RESOURCES. THOMAS HOPES FOR/ANTICIPATES
AN EXTENSION OF SCR 1472/76 FUNDING FOR AGRICULTURAL
DEVELOPMENT AT PRE-WAR LEVELS THROUGH THE END OF 2003, WITH
CONTINUING FUNDING INTO 2004 TO ALLOW FOR PROPER "HAND OVER"
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PAGE 04 ROME 02102 02 OF 04 141628Z
OF THE EFFORT BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
--------------
SOUTH/CENTRAL IRAQ
--------------
9. (SBU) FAO OFFICE IN BAGHDAD WAS LOOTED AND MUST BE
ENTIRELY REBUILT/REFURBISHED. FAO HAS NOT HAD A PERMANENT
PRESENCE IN OTHER AREAS OF THE CENTER/SOUTH. FAO'S PLAN IS
TO HAVE APPROXIMATELY 20 INTERNATIONAL STAFF IN SITU BY
SEPTEMBER.
10. (SBU) REPORTEDLY, USD 500 MILLION IN WAREHOUSED
AGRICULTURAL INPUTS WERE LOOTED, BUT FAO HAS NOT BEEN ABLE
TO VERIFY THIS.
11. (SBU) FAO HAS BEEN DISCUSSING WITH WFP A PLAN FOR A
JOINT CROP/FOOD ASSESSMENT MISSION IN FIRST WEEK OF JUNE.
THERE IS SOME QUESTION, HOWEVER, AS TO WHETHER ADEQUATE
SECURITY WILL BE IN PLACE BY THEN.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ0071
PAGE 01 ROME 02102 03 OF 04 141628Z
ACTION AID-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AGRE-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 INL-00 USNW-00
DOTE-00 SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 FAAE-00 UTED-00
VC-00 TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 L-00 VCE-00 NEA-00
NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 IRM-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00
SA-00 ECA-00 PRM-00 DRL-01 NFAT-00 SAS-00 /003W
-------------- 64FD3D 141636Z /38
P 141417Z MAY 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9878
INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
AMEMBASSY AMMAN
AMEMBASSY ANKARA
AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS
AMEMBASSY KUWAIT
AMEMBASSY NICOSIA
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
USEU BRUSSELS 3227
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USNATO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
JOINT STAFF WASHDC
USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL
USCINCEUR VAIHINGEN GE
UNCLAS SECTION 03 OF 04 ROME 002102
SIPDIS
AIDAC
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 02102 03 OF 04 141628Z
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/NE, EUR/WE,
SA/INS, IO/EDA SWINNICK
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS, RTILSWORTH AND LPANASUK
USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA
BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
GENEVA FOR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ
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 UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP
SUBJECT: TFIZ01: UPDATE ON FAO AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS IN
IRAQ
--------------
2003 AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION OUTLOOK
--------------
12. (SBU) THE LATE SPRING/EARLY SUMMER 2003 CROPS FORECAST
FOR IRAQ IS AS FOLLOWS: 850,000 - 1 MILLION METRIC TONS (MT)
OF WHEAT; 600,000-700,000 MT BARLEY. NOTE: BARLEY
PRODUCTION TREND IS UPWARDS FOR THE NORTHERN REGION DUE TO
INCREASING DEMAND FOR ANIMAL FEED, AND POOR PRICES FOR WHEAT
(ALLEGEDLY DEPRESSED BY OFF DISTRIBUTIONS). FALL 2003 CROPS
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PAGE 03 ROME 02102 03 OF 04 141628Z
FORECAST: 100,000 MT RICE; 80,000 MT CORN (ASSUMES SEEDED
AREA SIMILAR TO LAST YEAR, AND IRRIGATION RESTORED).
HARVESTING PROGRESS: SECURITY SITUATION IN THE SOUTH IS
LIKELY TO DISRUPT USUAL PATTERN OF "RENTAL" COMBINES, WHO
BEGIN TO WORK FIRST IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE COUNTRY AND
GRADUALLY FOLLOW THE HARVEST NORTHWARD.
13. (SBU) ON THE PRESSING ISSUE OF AERIAL SPRAYING OF DATE
PALMS IN THE CENTER/SOUTH GOVERNORATES, THOMAS INFORMED THAT
FAO IS COMMITTED TO "MAKE THIS HAPPEN," WITH THE CAVEAT THAT
THE SPRAYING BE CONDUCTED AT THE RIGHT TIME, BE DONE
PROPERLY, AND BE ACCOMPANIED WITH APPROPRIATE GROUND
SURVEYS.
14. (SBU) THOMAS SUGGESTED USG/FAO ESTABLISH SPECIFIC
CONTACT POINTS TO MANAGE INFORMATION FLOW. FAO IS PRESENTLY
BESET BY INQUIRIES FROM MANY POINTS WITHIN THE USG AND WOULD
BENEFIT FROM THE DESIGNATION OF A PRIME CONTACT. THOMAS
APPRECIATED THE REFERENCE TO FAO IRAQ ACTIVITIES IN THE
RECENT U/S FAS J.B.PENN/DAN AMSTUTZ PRESS CONFERENCE. HE
BELIEVES FAO CAN WORK CLOSELY WITH MR. AMSTUTZ.
15. (SBU) THOMAS FORESEES A ONE YEAR "EXIT STRATEGY" FOR THE
HANDOVER OF FAO'S ROGRAM TO NEW GOVERNMENT/PRIVATE SECTOR
AND RETUR TO THE USUAL FAO ROLE OF PROVIDING TECHNICAL
ASISTANCE. NOTE: FAO HAS JUST HIRED A VERY KNOWLEDGEBLE EX-
FAO REP IN IRAQ, AMIR KAHLIL (SUDANESE),WHO WILL NOW SERVE
AS AN ADVISER BASED IN NEW YOK CITY. FAO IS ALSO ATTENDING
THIS WEEK IN NEW YOK A UN DEVELOPMENT GROUP (UNDG) MEETING
ON IRAQ,WITH DAUD KHAN OF THE ORGANIZATION'S INVESTMENT
CENTER REPRESENTING FAO. END NOTE.
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 02102 03 OF 04 141628Z
16. (SBU) THOMAS PROPOSED COMING TO WASHINGTON TO MEET
W/USG, AND SUGGESTED IT MAY BE GOOD FOR FAO ASSISTANT
DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR TECHNICAL COOPERATION HENRI CARSALADE
(FRENCH CITIZEN) TO ALSO VISIT AT A LATER DATE. THOMAS ALSO
PROPOSED MEETING WITH NGOS WHILE IN U.S.
--------------
COMMENT
--------------
17. (SBU) US MISSION WILL ENDEAVOR TO HELP ADDRESS FAO-USG
COMMUNICATIONS ISSUE AND IDENTIFY THE PRIME ENTITIES ON THE
U.S. SIDE TO SERVE AS CONDUITS FOR FAO
INFORMATION/INQUIRIES. WE WOULD ALSO BE HAPPY TO ARRANGE
THOMAS' VISIT TO WASHINGTON, PREFERABLY WHEN THE APPROPRIATE
PEOPLE ARE IN TOWN, AND SHORTLY AFTER THE OFFICIAL FAO
RELEASE OF ITS AG PLANS FOR THE NORTH. WE HAVE COUNSELED
FAO THAT IT WOULD BE BEST TO HOLD OFF ON THE HIGHER-LEVEL
CARSALADE VISIT FOR THE TIME BEING - SUGGESTING THAT A
TECHNICAL-LEVEL CONSULTATION AT THIS JUNCTURE IS PREFERABLE.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ0072
PAGE 01 ROME 02102 04 OF 04 141628Z
ACTION AID-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AGRE-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 INL-00 DOTE-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 FAAE-00 UTED-00 VC-00
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 VCE-00 NEA-00 NSAE-00 NSCE-00
OES-00 OIC-02 IRM-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 SA-00 PRM-00
DRL-01 NFAT-00 SAS-00 /003W
-------------- 64FD41 141636Z /38
P 141417Z MAY 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9879
INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
AMEMBASSY AMMAN
AMEMBASSY ANKARA
AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS
AMEMBASSY KUWAIT
AMEMBASSY NICOSIA
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
USEU BRUSSELS 3228
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USNATO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
JOINT STAFF WASHDC
USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL
USCINCEUR VAIHINGEN GE
UNCLAS SECTION 04 OF 04 ROME 002102
SIPDIS
AIDAC
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 02102 04 OF 04 141628Z
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/NE, EUR/WE,
SA/INS, IO/EDA SWINNICK
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS, RTILSWORTH AND LPANASUK
USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA
BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS
JOINT STAFF FOR JE/J4/J5
GENEVA FOR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ
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 UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP
SUBJECT: TFIZ01: UPDATE ON FAO AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS IN
IRAQ
HALL
UNCLASSIFIED
>
2003ROME02102 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED