RUSSIA: NO MORE FUNDS FOR POLIO

UNCLAS MOSCOW 005334 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR OES/IHB (TIERRA COPELAND AND PATRICIA MURPHY) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID TBIO SOCI RS SUBJECT: RUSSIA: NO MORE FUNDS FOR POLIO REF: A. STATE 145251 ¶B. 06 MOSCOW 12876 ¶1. (SBU) We shared Ref A message on the need for further funding for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) with Deputy Finance Minister Storchak, and with International Department officials from the MFA, Health and Social Development Ministry, and the Federal Surveillance Service for Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being (Rospotrebnadzor). On November 6, Deputy Minister Storchak told us that it was unlikely that Russia would be able to contribute any additional funds beyond the $18 million already committed as part of the infectious diseases focus of Russia's 2006 G8 Presidency (Ref B). However, Storchak said that he would explore the possibility of accelerated disbursement of the remaining $15 million Russian commitment to the GPEI ($3 million has already been received by the WHO.) He noted as an aside that Russia is being approached from all corners to contribute money to international causes and initiatives. ¶2. (SBU) Rospotrebnadzor International Department Director Alexander Kucherenko also told us on November 6 that WHO Director General Margaret Chan wrote to Finance Minister Kudrin and Rospotrenadzor Head Onishchenko three months ago requesting a further Russian contribution to the GPEI. The Russians had already responded to the WHO that a further contribution for polio eradication was not possible at this time. BURNS