Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE27760
2009-03-23 19:43:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Secretary of State
Cable title:
FAO DG DIOUF FIRM ON HIS PLAN FOR A NOVEMBER
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 027760
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPDC PREL FAO UN
SUBJECT: FAO DG DIOUF FIRM ON HIS PLAN FOR A NOVEMBER
SUMMIT
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 027760
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPDC PREL FAO UN
SUBJECT: FAO DG DIOUF FIRM ON HIS PLAN FOR A NOVEMBER
SUMMIT
¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY. In his meeting with IO DAS Anderson, FAO
Director-General Diouf made clear that he intends to go
forward with his plans for a head-of-state level food summit
as part of the November 14-21 FAO Conference, despite
concerns raised by the U.S. and other countries with the
summit proposal. Diouf rejected arguments that a summit in
November is premature and that it would interfere with
ongoing efforts to reform the FAO. Diouf did say, however,
if President Obama were to host a food security summit in the
U.S. anywhere outside of New York, he would reconsider his
plans. END Summary.
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Diouf Proceeding with a Summit:
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¶2. (SBU) Diouf at length explained his arguments for
calling for a summit in Rome in November 2009. He indicated
that food prices in developing countries are still
substantially higher than in 2006, but production in most
developing countries did not respond to the price increase
and agricultural productivity remains low. Prices for inputs
like seeds and fertilizer in developing countries are still
very high and the financial crisis is lowering incomes and
making more people food-insecure. Diouf continues to see a
need to raise the level of attention to the issue on the
international agenda. He acknowledged some success in
boosting interest in the U.S. Congress and private
foundations in promoting agricultural development to increase
production. He insisted on the need to address food
security, agricultural investment, and rural infrastructure
in a single forum. When asked what would be different about
the outcome of a new summit than the meeting held in June
2008, Diouf said he aims to announce a new international
goal to eradicate hunger worldwide by 2025.
¶3. (SBU) Diouf dismissed U.S. concerns (which have been
raised by other countries such as Canada) over the drawbacks
of a November summit at FAO headquarters. Diouf said he
cannot call off his plans because he alleged that he has wide
international support including from the Arab Group, the
African Union, Caribbean states, Chile and Brazil, including
substantial commitments of financial support from wealthy
Gulf states. He also claimed that the regional groups in
Rome support his plan. Diouf dismissed suggestions that the
UN General Assembly head-of-state meetings in September may
be a better venue for addre