Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ROME202
2008-02-14 15:05:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Rome
Cable title:
ITALIAN VIEWS ON INTERNATIONAL RUBBER STUDY GROUP
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UNCLAS ROME 000202
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD IT
SUBJECT: ITALIAN VIEWS ON INTERNATIONAL RUBBER STUDY GROUP
SECRETARY GENERAL
SIPDIS
REF: STATE 10729
UNCLAS ROME 000202
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD IT
SUBJECT: ITALIAN VIEWS ON INTERNATIONAL RUBBER STUDY GROUP
SECRETARY GENERAL
SIPDIS
REF: STATE 10729
1. (U) On February 14, Econoff delivered reftel points
outlining USG concerns regarding the performance of Dr. Hidde
Smit, Secretary General of the International Rubber Study
Group (IRSG),to Stefano Nicoletti, the ITALIAN MFA official
responsible for ITALIAN participation in the IRSG. Nicoletti
noted that concerns regarding Dr. Smit's performance had
"been circulating" for some time, and appreciated our
detailed enumeration of Smit's violations of the IRSG
Constitution and operating rules, which "provide food for
thought." Nicoletti said the GOI does not yet have a
position on extending Dr. Smit's tenure as IRSG Secretary
General for an additional year, adding that the GOI will not
take a position until after consulting with the IRSG's other
EU members and discussions at the EU's working-level group on
basic commodities (the PROBA group). Nicoletti noted reftel
allegations raise "serious concerns" which should be subject
to "thorough examination" by IRSG members. Looking forward,
Nicoletti asked if the USG has identified a candidate to
replace Dr. Smit if his contract is not extended. He noted
that if Dr. Smit's term is not extended to 2010, the IRSG's
move from London to Singapore will coincide with the arrival
of a new Secretary General. This situation makes it
essential that the transition from Dr. Smit to his successor
occur as smoothly as possible, something that will be
facilitated by having a short list of candidates ready in the
event Dr. Smit's contract is not extended.
2. (U) Comment. It is not surprising the GOI has decided to
consult with the other EU members of the IRSG before taking a
position on this issue. That said, Nicoletti clearly
appreciated the seriousness of the allegations in reftel.
Nicoletti's comments lead us to believe that efforts to
secure ITALIAN support for limiting Dr. Smit to his current
contract will be strengthened by having a strong "Plan B,"
including a short list of candidates to replace Dr. Smit as
Secretary General of the IRSG. End comment.
SIPDIS
SPOGLI
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD IT
SUBJECT: ITALIAN VIEWS ON INTERNATIONAL RUBBER STUDY GROUP
SECRETARY GENERAL
SIPDIS
REF: STATE 10729
1. (U) On February 14, Econoff delivered reftel points
outlining USG concerns regarding the performance of Dr. Hidde
Smit, Secretary General of the International Rubber Study
Group (IRSG),to Stefano Nicoletti, the ITALIAN MFA official
responsible for ITALIAN participation in the IRSG. Nicoletti
noted that concerns regarding Dr. Smit's performance had
"been circulating" for some time, and appreciated our
detailed enumeration of Smit's violations of the IRSG
Constitution and operating rules, which "provide food for
thought." Nicoletti said the GOI does not yet have a
position on extending Dr. Smit's tenure as IRSG Secretary
General for an additional year, adding that the GOI will not
take a position until after consulting with the IRSG's other
EU members and discussions at the EU's working-level group on
basic commodities (the PROBA group). Nicoletti noted reftel
allegations raise "serious concerns" which should be subject
to "thorough examination" by IRSG members. Looking forward,
Nicoletti asked if the USG has identified a candidate to
replace Dr. Smit if his contract is not extended. He noted
that if Dr. Smit's term is not extended to 2010, the IRSG's
move from London to Singapore will coincide with the arrival
of a new Secretary General. This situation makes it
essential that the transition from Dr. Smit to his successor
occur as smoothly as possible, something that will be
facilitated by having a short list of candidates ready in the
event Dr. Smit's contract is not extended.
2. (U) Comment. It is not surprising the GOI has decided to
consult with the other EU members of the IRSG before taking a
position on this issue. That said, Nicoletti clearly
appreciated the seriousness of the allegations in reftel.
Nicoletti's comments lead us to believe that efforts to
secure ITALIAN support for limiting Dr. Smit to his current
contract will be strengthened by having a strong "Plan B,"
including a short list of candidates to replace Dr. Smit as
Secretary General of the IRSG. End comment.
SIPDIS
SPOGLI