ARGENTINE PARTICIPATION AT SHARM AL-SHEIKH

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000200 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EFIN KPAL KWBG PHUM PTER EAID AR SUBJECT: ARGENTINE PARTICIPATION AT SHARM AL-SHEIKH REF: STATE 14575 ¶1. (U) Poloff discussed February 25 the upcoming Sharm al-Sheikh conference per instructions (reftel) with Argentine Foreign Ministry Counselor Guillermo Nicolas, in the Office of North Africa and the Middle East. Nicolas reported that Argentina's delegation would be led by Ambassador Gabriel Fuks, President of the Argentine White Helmets Commission, and that it would include Ambassador Raul Ricardes, Under Secretary for Multilateral Policy, along with Nicolas. Nicolas said that Minister for Foreign Affairs Taiana had hoped to participate but was unable to do so due to scheduling conflicts. ¶2. (SBU) Although limited in what it might be able to give, the Government of Argentina (GOA) is considering a small donation through an organization like the World Bank. Argentina shares the concern that funds not go to Hamas, but Nicolas said that the MFA hoped for an intra-Palestinian understanding between the PA and Hamas on how assistance will be received and used. Nicolas took on board points in reftel about the central role of the PA in planning long-term development ¶3. (SBU) The Argentine White Helmets Commission mobilizes civilian volunteers for international disaster relief and, on occasion, post-conflict roles. Fuks played a central role in responding to a request for assistance from the Palestinian Authority by organizing a small shipment of humanitarian supplies from Argentina along with a small team of medical doctors sent through the UN. WAYNE