REQUEST FOR AMBASSADOR HALL TO MEET WITH FAO DG

UNCLAS ROME 001685 SIPDIS FROM THE U.S. MISSION TO THE UN AGENCIES IN ROME STATE FOR IO FOR TERRY MILLER, IO/EDA BEHREND AND KOTOK USDA FOR FAS REICH AND HUGHES AID FOR FFP LANDIS AND THOMPSON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AORC EAGR FAO SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR AMBASSADOR HALL TO MEET WITH FAO DG DIOUF REF:A. STATE 89950 ¶B. ROME 669 ¶C. STATE 32130 ¶1. The Ambassador, on May 16, delivered to FAO Director General Jacques Diouf ref A talking points regarding US support for the candidacy for Eric Bost for FAO's Deputy Director General position. The Ambassador told Diouf that Bost was a superb candidate with excellent credentials. He noted that the US Government starting at the White House was behind Bost's candidacy. The Ambassador added that he was happy to lend his own unqualified personal endorsement for Bost. ¶2. In response, Diouf said that he believes the Deputy Position "belongs to an American" and should remain with an an American when the present incumbent retires. He added that he was happy to hear of the White House's and the Ambassador's personal support for Bost. They tell how excellent Bost is as a candidate for the position, he remarked. ¶3. Comment. Although it is still uncertain when exactly the current Deputy, David Harcharik, plans to retire, he has told us that he would expect to do so sometime next year, following FAO's biennial Conference in December. Making clear the US' support for Eric Bost at this early stage of the process will influence it in favor of our position. In this regard, Diouf's response to the Ambassador's points was about as positive as could be possible now. We will take advantage of the upcoming FAO Food Security Committee meetings, where Bost will head the US delegation, to introduce him to Rome-based permanent representatives, senior members of the FAO secretariat, and Diouf, himself. The DCM will follow up with discussions with other senior people, including Diouf's chief of staff Savini. End Comment. HALL NNNN 2005ROME01685 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED