Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ROME255
2006-01-27 16:35:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Rome
Cable title:  

ITALY OPEN TO MUTUAL SUPPORT OF INCB CANDIDATES

Tags:  PREL AORC UNCND UN IT 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO4589
PP RUEHFL RUEHNP
DE RUEHRO #0255 0271635
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 271635Z JAN 06
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3309
INFO RUEHRL/AMEMBASSY BERLIN 1576
RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS 1443
RUEHME/AMEMBASSY MEXICO 0487
RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 0666
RUEHTC/AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE 1167
RUEHFL/AMCONSUL FLORENCE 0877
RUEHMIL/AMCONSUL MILAN 6317
RUEHNP/AMCONSUL NAPLES 0925
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0413
UNCLAS ROME 000255 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

FOR IO/T HEATHER VON BEHREN, INL/PC CHRISTINE CLINE, EUR/WE
ANDREW YOUNG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL AORC UNCND UN IT
SUBJECT: ITALY OPEN TO MUTUAL SUPPORT OF INCB CANDIDATES

REF: STATE 226622

UNCLAS ROME 000255

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

FOR IO/T HEATHER VON BEHREN, INL/PC CHRISTINE CLINE, EUR/WE
ANDREW YOUNG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL AORC UNCND UN IT
SUBJECT: ITALY OPEN TO MUTUAL SUPPORT OF INCB CANDIDATES

REF: STATE 226622


1. (U) Poloff presented reftel dipnote and CV of Melvyn
Levitsky, U.S. candidate for re-election to the International
Narcotics Control Board (INCB),to Enrico Valvo, head of the
MFA Counterterrorism Policy Unit January 25. Highlighting
Amb. Levitsky's extensive experience, Poloff stressed that
maintaining a U.S. presence on the board is of the highest
priority for the United States. Valvo informed Poloff that
Italy would be presenting a candidate: Gilberto Gerra, who
currently serves on the INCB. He also noted Italy's
extensive engagement in counter-narcotics efforts through the
UN.


2. (U) The Netherlands and Iran have requested Italian
support for their nominees, according to Valvo, while
Belgium, Germany, and India have indicated that they will
present candidates, although they have not asked for support
to date. Valvo stated that the GOI would evaluate all
candidates in a global context once the field had taken
shape. He inquired if the United States might approach Italy
with a request for mutual support and noted that the MFA was
willing to provide Gerra's CV and any additional information.



3. (SBU) Comment: Italian candidates for key positions such
as High Representative in Bosnia and Vice-Chair of the OECD
Working Group on Bribery in International Business
Transactions did not secure U.S. support. This has been a
sore point in Rome, where the government views election of
Italians to international bodies as concrete recognition that
their investments abroad have advanced the country's
interests, enhanced its prestige, and earned the respect of
friends and allies. Agreeing to mutually support each
other's INCB candidates may provide some reassurance to a key
ally. End comment.
SPOGLI