Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05ROME1509
2005-05-03 16:14:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Rome
Cable title:  

OHR CANDIDATE MIRACHIAN - A GOOD CHOICE FOR

Tags:  PREL BO IT 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 001509 

SIPDIS


DEPT FOR EUR/FO, EUR/ERA AND EUR/SCE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/20/2015
TAGS: PREL BO IT
SUBJECT: OHR CANDIDATE MIRACHIAN - A GOOD CHOICE FOR
ASHDOWN FOLLOW-ON AND TRANSITION TO EUSR

REF: A) EMAIL COUNTRYMAN/STEPHENS 4-19 (NOTAL) B)

SARAJEVO 964

Classified By: POL MINISTER COUNSELOR TOM COUNTRYMAN. REASON: 1.4 (B)(
D)

C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 001509

SIPDIS


DEPT FOR EUR/FO, EUR/ERA AND EUR/SCE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/20/2015
TAGS: PREL BO IT
SUBJECT: OHR CANDIDATE MIRACHIAN - A GOOD CHOICE FOR
ASHDOWN FOLLOW-ON AND TRANSITION TO EUSR

REF: A) EMAIL COUNTRYMAN/STEPHENS 4-19 (NOTAL) B)

SARAJEVO 964

Classified By: POL MINISTER COUNSELOR TOM COUNTRYMAN. REASON: 1.4 (B)(
D)


1. (C) As stated ref A, Embassy Rome considers Italian
diplomat Laura Mirachian a good choice to take over as HiRep
when Paddy Ashdown steps down next year. Our experience with
her goes back to her time as DAS equivalent for Balkans
issues in the run-up to and during the military action in
Kosovo. Both Embassy and State Department interlocutors
found her to be very knowledgeable with both issues and
personalities Balkans-wide. She has a reputation for being a
tenacious negotiator, a key attribute in dealing with the
embedded views and prejudices lingering from the conflict
years. If history holds, we could count on her for close
(and often off-the-record, behind the scenes) coordination
with us, in the same manner as Ashdown. Embassy
interlocutors from that period found her to be very
accessible, and eager to consult with the US on policy issues
during the decision phase. At the same time, she was not
averse to honest constructive criticism when she disagreed
with a particular view.


2. (C) If as indicated ref B, the next HiRep could be the
last, and might be charged with managing the transition
between OHR and EU Special Representative (EUSR),Mirachian's
candidacy looks even more attractive. While not as high
profile as Ashdown, and without her own political base, she
has a track record for knowing the issues and is likely to be
protective of trans-Atlantic interests as responsibility for
Bosnia's international presence moves to European control.


3. (C) Mirachian has not been as close a contact for Rome
since she left her Balkans related responsibilities in 2000.
Her responsibilities since then have included Ambassador to
Syria and, since the summer of 2004, special assignments for
the very demanding MFA Secretary General Umberto Vattani.
Both posts indicate high confidence within the Italian
government in her substantive and organizational skills. We
also expect that the Italian Government would endeavor to
give her a similar (but lower) level of logistical and policy
support to that which HMG provided Ashdown.


4. (C) EUR DAS Stephens met briefly with Mirachian during her
April 29 consultations at the Italian MFA. The meeting was
not set up as a "job interview" but Mirachian demonstrated
her up-to-date familiarity with Balkan issues.

SEMBLER


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2005ROME01509 - Classification: CONFIDENTIAL