WORLD BANK DEMARCHE DELIVERED; ARGENTINA SUPPORTS

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 001086 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EFIN IBRD AR SUBJECT: WORLD BANK DEMARCHE DELIVERED; ARGENTINA SUPPORTS ZOELLICK AS WORLD BANK PRESIDENT REF: STATE 73691 ¶1. (SBU) Ambassador delivered reftel points regarding Mr. Zoellick's candidacy and qualifications for the position of World Bank President in writing on May 30 to Economy Minister Felisa Miceli and Central Bank President Martin Redrado. Charge subsequently reiterated points and urged GoA support for Zoellick's nomination by telephone on May 31 to Redrado and June 4 to Miceli, ¶2. (SBU) Minister Miceli, who represents Argentina on the World Bank's Board of Governors, told Charge June 4 that the GoA had already transmitted its support for Mr. Zoellick's candidacy through Argentina's Executive Director to the World Bank, Felix Alberto Camarasa, around May 30 or 31. Miceli welcomed Zoellick's candidacy, saying the GoA knew him well and worked closely with him during his time as USTR, which is why it was one of the first countries to express official support. She also mentioned that Mr. Zoellick stopped by Camarasa's office for a brief meeting on Friday, June 1. ¶3. (SBU) Central Bank President Redrado, who serves as Argentina's Deputy Governor to the World Bank, told Charge May 31 that he strongly supported Mr. Zoellick's nomination. He worked closely with Zoellick following the 2001/2002 Argentine financial crisis, when he was Argentina's chief trade negotiator, and was confident of Zoellick's ability to do the job. Redrado agreed to work with Miceli and other GoA Ministries to develop a public statement of support. MATERA