RWANDA ON UN RAPE RESOLUTION AND FAO REFORM

UNCLAS KIGALI 001061 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR IO/EDA SHARON KOTOK, IO/RHS LINDA LUM USDA/FAS FOR WENDELL DENNIS AND GEORGE DOUVELIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNGA AORC FAO RW SUBJECT: RWANDA ON UN RAPE RESOLUTION AND FAO REFORM INITIATIVE REF: A. STATE 155063 ¶B. STATE 152277 ¶C. KIGALI 979 ¶D. KIGALI 969 ¶E. KIGALI 857 ¶1. (SBU) Pol/Econ Chief and poloff met November 15 with Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Affairs Director Ben Rutsinga to discuss the U.S.-sponsored rape resolution pending before the General Assembly, and the FAO "external evaluation" demarche. Rutsinga began by categorically restating what he told Embassy officers on three previous occasions (refs C, D and E): Rwanda supports USG language on the rape resolution. He added that he had personally drafted and sent his Ministry's instructions to Rwanda's delegation in New York, mandating support for the USG resolution. When asked once again if Rwanda would consider becoming a co-sponsor, he gave the same reply as previously: "We will consider it." However, his remarks focused on Rwanda's unwavering support for the USG language on the resolution. ¶2. (SBU) In regard to the FAO "external evaluation" demarche, Rutsinga listened attentively to the general concept of a reform of the FAO through formal endorsement of the outside evaluation, and adoption of a one-year budget to aid the transition to a renewed and restructured FAO. He noted that his ministry would work carefully with the Ministry of Agriculture on the issue, and he pledged that he would seek out the "technical officer" at Agriculture to gain his input by November 16. He indicated that the Minister of Agriculture had sought permission to travel to Rome for the November 17-24 conference, and would likely receive it. He offered to share the combined position of the two ministries when he had it in hand. ARIETTI