GOT WILL CONSIDER FUNDING EXTERNAL EVALUATION

UNCLAS ANKARA 001050

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR IO/EDA
ROME FOR USUN-ROME
USDA/FAS FOR ICD REICH AND HUGHES

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAGR KUNR TU
SUBJECT: GOT WILL CONSIDER FUNDING EXTERNAL EVALUATION
OF FAO

Ref: State 25999


1. (SBU) Econoff delivered reftel demarche, encouraging
the GOT to make voluntary contributions toward the costs
of an independent evaluation of FAO, to Asim Asar,
Multilateral Economic Organizations Department Head,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on February 16. Asar
responded that the GOT supported the concept of an
independent evaluation of FAO, as well as the need for
reform in that organization. He stated that the GOT has
not made voluntary contributions to international
organizations for the last three years, but that
officials are considering a change in this policy in
conjunction with Turkey's plans to run for election to
the UN Security Council in 2008. Asar told us MFA was
working to secure interagency clearance for a USD
350,000 contribution to the World Food Program for aid
to Tajikistan, and added that MFA might try to secure a
contribution to the FAO if it is successful in obtaining
the WFP contribution.


2. (SBU) Asar added that Turkey had already agreed to
support the reelection of Jacques Diouf to the FAO
Director General position, in line with a decision taken
earlier by the Organization of the Islamic Conference on
the election.
Edelman