USG LEVEL OF REPRESENTATION DURING CERTAIN MEMBER

UNCLAS STATE 059149 SIPDIS, FOR FODAG, NSC FOR K MCDONALD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR EAID IR ZI VE CU SUBJECT: USG LEVEL OF REPRESENTATION DURING CERTAIN MEMBER STATES' PRESENTATIONS AT THE ROME UN FOOD SECURITY CONFERENCE ¶1. This cable provides guidance on USG level of representation during certain member states' official presentations during the June 3-5 UN Food Security Conference in Rome. ¶2. The Department understands that Iran, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe will be represented by their heads of state at the Rome conference and by the deputy-head of state in the case of Cuba. The Department advises that senior-level USG officials on the U.S. delegation to the conference, including those at the level of Deputy Assistant Secretary or above should vacate "the U.S. chair," leaving only a note taker, during the presentations by Iran, Venezuela, Zimbabwe and Cuba. ¶3. If the statements by Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba specifically criticize the United States, the U.S. delegation may use its discretion to respond in a "right of reply" or a statement to the press afterwards. ¶4. For Zimbabwe, rather than exercise a right of reply, US del should coordinate prior to the session with like-minded delegations to join a walkout in the event Zimbabwe President Mugabe makes statements critical of the United States. ¶5. Senior USG officials may remain in the chair during all other presentations. RICE