US embassy cable - 04ROME3477

UNCLAS ROME 003477 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
STATE FOR EUR/WE, S/GAC - PEARSON 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAID, TBIO, IT, UN 
SUBJECT: ITALIAN CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL FUND FOR AIDS 
 
REF: (A) PEARSON - FETCHKO-MILLIKEN EMAILS 8/23-8/26 
 
1.  (SBU) Information received by the Office of the Global 
Fund (GFF) for AIDS has raised questions about whether the 
Government of Italy will fulfil its 2004 pledge of a E 100 
million contribution to the fund.  Post has been actively 
working with contacts throughout the Government to find out 
the facts and ensure that the GOI meets its 2004 commitments. 
 
2.  (SBU) Giorgio Guillermino, Foreign Ministry Office 
Director for Multilateral Economic Cooperation, told Science 
Counselor that the Finance Minister had postponed spending on 
the budget item in which the GFF contribution falls, but that 
he expected the contribution to nonetheless be made by the 
end of 2004.  Guillermino explained that the Parliament was 
expected to restore much of the funding by the end of 
September, allowing E 50 million to be contributed in 
October/November.  The remainder of the funding was likely to 
be restored by December, allowing the second E 50 million to 
be contributed during December. 
 
3. (SBU) Vittorio Silano, Senior Advisor to the Minister of 
Health, told Science Specialist that Health Minister Sirchia 
and Ministry staff were unaware of any cuts in the Italian 
funding for the Global Fund for AIDS.  He added that the MOH 
would investigate fully and that, if necessary, Minister 
Sirchia would work to have the funding restored.  (Sirchia is 
currently on an official visit to China.) 
 
4. (SBU) Separately, Raffaella di Maro, Director of 
International Affairs in the Finance Ministry, told Economic 
Specialist that "We will do whatever is possible to meet our 
commitment.  No final decision has yet been taken.  She 
promised to inform us of developments.  The Italian (GAO 
equivalent) is examining all planned spending for the fourth 
quarter of 2004, including Italy's commitment to the Global 
Fund for AIDS." 
 
5. (SBU) Comment:  We are cautiously optimistic that the E 
100 million will be paid by Italy to the Global Fund by the 
end of 2004.  Embassy will contine to press the Government of 
Italy to meet its commitment, and will keep the Department 
informed.  End Comment. 
 
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 2004ROME03477 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED