GOP REQUESTS SUPPORT FOR MIRZA BEG'S IFAD CANDIDACY

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 000321 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV EAID EAGR PK SUBJECT: GOP REQUESTS SUPPORT FOR MIRZA BEG'S IFAD CANDIDACY ¶1. (SBU) Muhammad Haroon Shaukat, MFA Additional Secretary, convoked representatives of Japan, Kuwait, Libya, the United States, and Saudi Arabia (which was not present) on February 13 to ask their support for the candidacy of Mirza Qamar Beg for President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Shaukat explained that voting was weighted and that Pakistan felt that the support of these five countries was particularly valuable. Although strict geographical rotation was not practiced at IFAD, Pakistan believes that it is Asia's turn to take the helm. He said a demarche at a much higher level would be done soon, most likely on February 14. ¶2. (SBU) Beg has a distinguished resume, serving as Ambassador to Italy and the Rome-based U.N. agencies, President of the Executive Board of the World Food Program, Commerce Secretary in the Government of Pakistan, Chief Secretary to the Government of Baluchistan, and Chairman and CEO of Pakistan Steel. PATTERSON