FY 2006 FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY

UNCLAS VATICAN 000024

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT. FOR EB/TPP/ABT/BTT FOR TLERSTEN AND MKOCH, EUR/WE FOR
JLARREA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO
SUBJECT: FY 2006 FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY

REF: (A) STATE 233448, (B) 05 VAT 514, (C) 06 VAT 15


1. Post requests funding of $10,000 for three individuals to
visit the Vatican for targeted meetings with the Pontifical
Council Cor Unum for Human and Christian Development and related
Vatican officials to promote the usefulness of genetically
modified food for the developing world. The Council is expected
to begin work on an official Vatican document on world hunger
later this year that could be crucial in swaying public and
governmental opinion in Europe and the developing world on the
subject. Post's substantial lobbying efforts on the "moral
imperative of GMO food" and useful visits by Department and
USAID officials last summer (ref b) have laid the groundwork for
a useful contribution by the Council, but we need to push
further on specific points of concern to the Holy See.


2. As per ref (b) and previous reporting from Post, we need to
address Holy See concerns about the potential economic
subjugation of developing-world farmers by multi-national
corporations in the context of GMO food. It is also important
for any program with the Vatican to include discussion of
ongoing research on non-cash crops such as cassava and cowpeas.
We would work with EB to develop a program that fit these topics
into the broad framework of the moral issue we have framed for
the Holy See.


3. Various elements within the Holy See have produced helpful
documents and comments on GMO food - in fact, Post is currently
preparing a summary of such material that could be useful for EB
and embassies worldwide (septel). However, with the Vatican
hierarchy divided on the issue, chances for a breakthrough
proclamation in the near future by the pope are very slim. Most
in the Vatican would prefer to avoid the issue. It is crucial,
therefore, for us to take advantage of opportunities like Cor
Unum's hunger document to prod the Holy See in the right
direction, and help slowly build the case for these
technologies.


4. The cost estimate covers transportation and per diem for
visitors and miscellaneous expenses.


5. Post appreciates continued support from EB.

ROONEY