MFA RESPONSE TO EXTENSION OF MFO DG LAROCCO

UNCLAS CAIRO 000667 SIPDIS SIPDIS NEA/RA FOR SHAUNFIELD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMFO IS IT EG SUBJECT: MFA RESPONSE TO EXTENSION OF MFO DG LAROCCO REF: A. STATE 16117 ¶B. TEL AVIV 723 ¶1. (U) On April 1 we received a fax signed by Ambassador Mohamed Mustafa Kamal, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Legal, Treaty and Counterterrorism Affairs, confirming the GOE's agreement to the extension of MFO Director-General James LaRocco's term until June 30, 2009. ¶2. (U) Begin dipnote text (informal embassy translation): With compliments and greetings from The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Office of the Assistant Foreign Minister for International Legal, Treaty and Counterterrorism Affairs. In reference to the U.S. Embassy in Cairo's diplomatic note number 283, dated March 11, 2008, requesting agreement to the term extension of Ambassador James LaRocco, Director-General of the Multinational Force, for an additional year until June 30, ¶2009. We are honored to inform you of no objection to the extension of Ambassador James LaRocco for an additional year, due to the wide expertise he has displayed in administering the Multinational Force. The Office of the Assistant Foreign Minister for International Legal, Treaty and Counterterrorism Affairs would like to take the opportunity of this occasion to express to the U.S. Embassy its great consideration and respect. End dipnote text. RICCIARDONE