ITALY WILL SEND ASSISTANCE TO OAS COLOMBIA MISSION

UNCLAS ROME 004092 SIPDIS FOR WHA/AND NAN FIFE AND USOAS/POL SERGIO GARCIA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID PTER CO IT UN SUBJECT: ITALY WILL SEND ASSISTANCE TO OAS COLOMBIA MISSION REF: A. A. STATE 207709 ¶B. B. ROME 003840 ¶1. MFA Office Director for South America Pietro Benassi confirmed December 16 that Italy would provide support for the OAS Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia, as requested in Reftel A demarche. Italy had not yet decided whether it would provide monetary assistance to the mission or technical personnel. The decision would depend on whether or not they could identify individuals appropriate to fill the position descriptions sent by the OAS in response to Reftel B. In the absence of qualified personnel, Italy would provide monetary assistance. Benassi did not specify an amount for the contribution, but said that the decision to provide assistance had been made and would be implemented at the beginning of the new year, when funding would be available. He noted that the MFA would coordinate with Italy's representative to the OAS in Washington in determining what assistance to provide. ¶2. Comment. This decision is consistent with the GOI's effort in recent months to increase Italy's profile in Latin America through high level meetings, trade agreements, and aid. End comment. SPOGLI