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.

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2004ROME03477 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED