Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ROME1414
2006-05-11 07:05:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Rome
Cable title:
ITALY PLANS TO FULFILL UN DEMOCRACY FUND PLEDGE
how-toVZCZCXRO0764 PP RUEHFL RUEHNP DE RUEHRO #1414 1310705 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 110705Z MAY 06 FM AMEMBASSY ROME TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4723 INFO RUEHFL/AMCONSUL FLORENCE PRIORITY 1386 RUEHMIL/AMCONSUL MILAN PRIORITY 7069 RUEHNP/AMCONSUL NAPLES PRIORITY 1464 RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 6281 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0585
UNCLAS ROME 001414
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL KDEM UNGA IT
SUBJECT: ITALY PLANS TO FULFILL UN DEMOCRACY FUND PLEDGE
REF: STATE 65746
UNCLAS ROME 001414
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL KDEM UNGA IT
SUBJECT: ITALY PLANS TO FULFILL UN DEMOCRACY FUND PLEDGE
REF: STATE 65746
1. (SBU) POLOFF met with Gian Lorenzo Cornado, MFA Office
Director for United Nations Affairs, May 10 to deliver points
in reftel regarding UN Democracy Fund grand opportunities and
to inquire about the status of Italy's $3 million pledge to
UNDEF. Cornado noted that the GOI was aware of the grant
proposal period. Although the MFA had not specifically
informed Italian NGOs of the project submission deadline, he
was certain that NGOs were closely tracking UNDEF grant
opportunities. POLOFF highlighted the value of participation
by Community of Democracies countries in UNDEF projects and
Cornado agreed that the work of promoting and strengthening
democracy was of great importance. He speculated that
Italian efforts might focus on projects in Iraq and Darfur.
2. (SBU) Cornado also reaffirmed the GOI's commitment to
supporting UNDEF financially, originally announced by
outgoing PM Silvio Berlusconi in New York last September.
Italy will fulfill its $3 million pledge, according to
Cornado, although the transfer of funds to the UN had been
slowed by across-the-board budget cuts. The defeat of the
governing center-right coalition in April 9-10 national
elections had further complicated the process, with a new
government yet to be formed. However, Cornado said, the MFA
would attempt to secure and transfer the $3 million as soon
as a new foreign minister was named (which could happen by
next week).
SPOGLI
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL KDEM UNGA IT
SUBJECT: ITALY PLANS TO FULFILL UN DEMOCRACY FUND PLEDGE
REF: STATE 65746
1. (SBU) POLOFF met with Gian Lorenzo Cornado, MFA Office
Director for United Nations Affairs, May 10 to deliver points
in reftel regarding UN Democracy Fund grand opportunities and
to inquire about the status of Italy's $3 million pledge to
UNDEF. Cornado noted that the GOI was aware of the grant
proposal period. Although the MFA had not specifically
informed Italian NGOs of the project submission deadline, he
was certain that NGOs were closely tracking UNDEF grant
opportunities. POLOFF highlighted the value of participation
by Community of Democracies countries in UNDEF projects and
Cornado agreed that the work of promoting and strengthening
democracy was of great importance. He speculated that
Italian efforts might focus on projects in Iraq and Darfur.
2. (SBU) Cornado also reaffirmed the GOI's commitment to
supporting UNDEF financially, originally announced by
outgoing PM Silvio Berlusconi in New York last September.
Italy will fulfill its $3 million pledge, according to
Cornado, although the transfer of funds to the UN had been
slowed by across-the-board budget cuts. The defeat of the
governing center-right coalition in April 9-10 national
elections had further complicated the process, with a new
government yet to be formed. However, Cornado said, the MFA
would attempt to secure and transfer the $3 million as soon
as a new foreign minister was named (which could happen by
next week).
SPOGLI