UNCLAS ROME 000860

SIPDIS


DEPT FOR IO/EDA
USDA FOR FAS/IDC REICH AND HUGHES

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAGR IT KUNR FAO
SUBJECT: ITALY WILL DONATE TO FAO EXTERNAL EVALUATION

REF: STATE 25999

Embassy Rome Econoff and Alternate U.S. Permrep to FAO
discussed reftel request March 10 with Mauro Massoni, Office
Director for Multilateral Affairs in the Directorate for
Development Cooperation (USAID-equivalent) at the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. After hearing our presentation of the
rationale for the FAO external evaluation and our update of
recent progress, Massoni stated that the GOI would "surely"
make a contribution. He said the GOI was considering a
figure of at least USD 100,000, though Italy may decide to
make a Euro-denominated donation of E100,000 (USD 130,000).
The MFA would hold a meeting to determine Italy's voluntary
contribution to FAO for CY2005 "within a few months," at
which time the earmark for the evaluation would be set.
Massoni indicated that the GOI might consider an additional
donation next year, if needed. He expressed concern that
voluntary contributions might not be sufficient to meet the
anticipated costs of a comprehensive evaluation.

SEMBLER


NNNN
2005ROME00860 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED