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