ITALIAN CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL FUND FOR AIDS

UNCLAS ROME 003477 SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR EUR/WE, S/GAC - PEARSON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID TBIO IT UN SUBJECT: ITALIAN CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL FUND FOR AIDS REF: (A) PEARSON - FETCHKO-MILLIKEN EMAILS 8/23-8/26 ¶1. (SBU) Information received by the Office of the Global Fund (GFF) for AIDS has raised questions about whether the Government of Italy will fulfil its 2004 pledge of a E 100 million contribution to the fund. Post has been actively working with contacts throughout the Government to find out the facts and ensure that the GOI meets its 2004 commitments. ¶2. (SBU) Giorgio Guillermino, Foreign Ministry Office Director for Multilateral Economic Cooperation, told Science Counselor that the Finance Minister had postponed spending on the budget item in which the GFF contribution falls, but that he expected the contribution to nonetheless be made by the end of 2004. Guillermino explained that the Parliament was expected to restore much of the funding by the end of September, allowing E 50 million to be contributed in October/November. The remainder of the funding was likely to be restored by December, allowing the second E 50 million to be contributed during December. ¶3. (SBU) Vittorio Silano, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Health, told Science Specialist that Health Minister Sirchia and Ministry staff were unaware of any cuts in the Italian funding for the Global Fund for AIDS. He added that the MOH would investigate fully and that, if necessary, Minister Sirchia would work to have the funding restored. (Sirchia is currently on an official visit to China.) ¶4. (SBU) Separately, Raffaella di Maro, Director of International Affairs in the Finance Ministry, told Economic Specialist that "We will do whatever is possible to meet our commitment. No final decision has yet been taken. She promised to inform us of developments. The Italian (GAO equivalent) is examining all planned spending for the fourth quarter of 2004, including Italy's commitment to the Global Fund for AIDS." ¶5. (SBU) Comment: We are cautiously optimistic that the E 100 million will be paid by Italy to the Global Fund by the end of 2004. Embassy will contine to press the Government of Italy to meet its commitment, and will keep the Department informed. End Comment. Visit Rome's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/rome/index.cf m SEMBLER NNNN 2004ROME03477 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED