US embassy cable - 04ROME3647

UNCLAS ROME 003647 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
STATE FOR IO/T 
MONTREAL FOR USICAO 
FAA HQ FOR MICHELLE WESTOVER (TA) 
BRUSSELS FOR PAUL FELDMAN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AORC, EAIR, IT, ICAO 
SUBJECT: ICAO - ITALY'S ADDITIONAL RESPONSES TO BUDGET AND 
KEY U.S. ISSUES 
 
REF: A. SECSTATE 184650 
 
     B. SECSTATE 168348 
     C. ROME 3459 
 
1. Italy's civil aviation authority (Ente Nazionale per 
L'Aviazione Civile (ENAC)) Deputy Director Salvatore 
Sciacchitano provided Econoff with the following additional 
written responses (in English) to Ref A and B points. 
Embassy has edited the text for readability. 
 
2. Begin text 
 
-We agree that the feasibility of further reductions in the 
ICAO budget has to be examined.  Most nations, Italy 
included, are doing the same in their national budgets. 
Nevertheless, we believe that a balance should be found so 
that the ICAO's work on aviation security and safety, for 
example, continues to support member states in the present 
severe contingency. 
 
-On USOAP, we agree on all measures aimed to increase 
transparency and ensure high standards in the conduct of the 
audits.  The validation of Contracting States' statements is 
a delicate matter with important political implications. 
 
-We are looking forward with great interest to the ICAO 
Assembly discussion on regional safety oversight 
organizations.  At the same time, we wish to underline the 
beneficial aspects of the Universal Safety Oversight Audit 
Program under the auspices of the Organization. 
 
-The environment is a key issue for Italy and we are ready to 
consider in depth all solutions of benefit to the environment. 
 
-We support the ICAO policy that Flight Information Regions 
(FIRs) should be defined on the basis of technical and 
operational considerations.  The relevance of ATM for safety 
and operational efficiency of air traffic has suggested in 
Italy a restatement of the organization on the matter with a 
clear distinction between regulatory and operational 
aspects.(stet)  According to a very recent Government Decree, 
all regulatory aspects of civil aviation, including ATM, are 
under the competence of the Italian Civil Aviation 
Authority--ENAC--who certifies and controls the operational 
activity conducted by separate Agencies. 
 
-However, all the above mentioned positions are to be 
coordinated within the EU. 
 
End text. 
 
 
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 2004ROME03647 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED