UNDP COUNTRY DIRECTOR NAMED FOR IRAQ

UNCLAS BAGHDAD 002372 SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE PASS USAID E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EAID IZ UN SUBJECT: UNDP COUNTRY DIRECTOR NAMED FOR IRAQ This cable is sensitive but unclassified. For government use only. Not for internet distribution. ¶1. (SBU) In a meeting with donor representatives on May 31, UN Deputy Special Representative for Iraq Staffan di Mistura announced that Paolo Lembo was being promoted to the job of Iraq Country Director for the UN Development Program (UNDP),from his current position as Humanitarian Coordinator. Di Mistura said this move was important above all as a signal of the UN's deepening commitment to its in-country operations in Iraq. Lembo's portfolio will not change, but he will soon be joined by a Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator. Di Mistura said that one of Lembo's first priorities would be working with the EU on helping the Iraqis with constitution writing. ¶2. (SBU) COMMENT: This continues the UN's efforts since January to strengthen its presence in Iraq. Lembo has been a helpful and positive contact as Humanitarian Coordinator, and we anticipate this will continue in his new job. End comment. Satterfield