Disclaimer: This site has been first put up 15 years ago. Since then I would probably do a couple things differently, but because I've noticed this site had been linked from news outlets, PhD theses and peer rewieved papers and because I really hate the concept of "digital dark age" I've decided to put it back up. There's no chance it can produce any harm now.
| Identifier: | 03ROME1268 |
|---|---|
| Wikileaks: | View 03ROME1268 at Wikileaks.org |
| Origin: | Embassy Rome |
| Created: | 2003-03-25 16:20:00 |
| Classification: | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY |
| Tags: | EAID AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR AORC PREF EAGR ECON KUNR UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP EAID UN WFP |
| Redacted: | This cable was not redacted by Wikileaks. |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 ROME 001268
SIPDIS
AIDAC
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR U/S LARSON, A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/WE,
IO/EDA SWINNICK, E FOR CPENCE
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 01268 01 OF 05 251628Z
USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA
BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS
USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ
GENEVA FOR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID, AORC, PREF, EAGR, ECON, KUNR, AORC, PREF, EAGR, ECON, KUNR, AORC, PREF, EAGR, ECON, KUNR, AORC, PREF, EAGR, ECON, KUNR, AORC, PREF, EAGR, ECON, KUNR, UN, WFP EAID, UN, WFP EAID, UN, WFP EAID, UN, WFP EAID, UN, WFP
SUBJECT: G8 FAMINE MEETINGS IN ROME
REF: (A) STATE 68141
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY.
NOT SUITABLE FOR INTERNET POSTING.
-------
SUMMARY
-------
1. (SBU) G8 MEMBER STATES DID NOT REACH CONSENSUS ON A
COMMON TEXT FOR PRESENTATION. OPPOSITION TO A U.S.-FRENCH
DRAFT WAS LED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
AND CANADA, WHO FAVOR PRESENTATION OF A LOWEST COMMON
DENOMINATOR TEXT (REPRODUCED BELOW). THE U.S.- FRENCH DRAFT
RECEIVED GENERAL SUPPORT ON TWO MAJOR HEADINGS: I)
PREVENTION AND ACTION AGAINST THE CAUSES OF FAMINE; AND III)
COMMITMENT TO INSURE LONG-TERM FOOD SECURITY. LESSER SUPPORT
WAS GARNERED FOR: II) FLEXIBLE APPROACHES TO FAMINE E.G.,
SCHOOL FEEDING, TWINNING, MICRO-LEVEL ASSISTANCE, CASH-FOR-
WORK, AND MARKET DISTRIBUTION. THE FRENCH AND U.S. CO-CHAIRS
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 01268 01 OF 05 251628Z
AGREED TO SEND BOTH THE UK TEXT AND THE U.S.- FRENCH TEXT
ALONG TO THE G8 SOUS SHERPAS (FASS), APPENDING THE SPECIFIC
OBJECTIONS AND CAVEATS RAISED BY THE VARIOUS DELEGATIONS.
END SUMMARY.
----------
BACKGROUND
----------
2. (SBU) FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO THE FAO, CLAUDE CHEREAU,
CONVENED A WRAP UP MEETING ON 03/25 TO DISCUSS THE REVISED
U.S.- FRENCH DRAFTED END FAMINE MEASURES BEING FORWARDED TO
THE G8 FOREIGN AFFAIRS SOUS SHERPAS (FASS) FOR THEIR MEETING
ON MARCH 27-28. IN INITIAL INTERVENTIONS, THE UNITED
KINGDOM, EUROPEAN COMMISSION (AND TO A GREAT DEGREE CANADA)
RAISED SUBSTANTIVE OBJECTIONS TO BOTH THE SCOPE AND TENOR OF
THE U.S.- FRENCH DRAFT. THE UK THEN PROPOSED A "COUNTER
TEXT" WHICH IS HEREWITH REPRODUCED.
--------------------------------------------- -------
UK PROPOSED "SUBSTITUTE" TEXT FOR FASS CONSIDERATION
--------------------------------------------- -------
3. (SBU) "THE G8 REPRESENTATIVES IN ROME HAVE CONSIDERED
WHAT FURTHER ACTIONS MIGHT BE NEEDED TO ADDRESS THE SERIOUS
PROBLEMS OF FAMINE IN AFRICA. THEY HAVE LISTENED VERY
CAREFULLY TO PRESENTATIONS FROM THE THREE ROME-BASED UN
AGENCIES (FAO, IFAD AND WFP) AND SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING PAPER
TO FASS.
THE G8 REPRESENTATIVES IN ROME ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED WITH THE
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 01268 01 OF 05 251628Z
CURRENT FOOD CRISIS IN THE AFRICAN CONTINENT AND UNDERLINE
THE COMMITMENT OF G8 COUNTRIES TO RESPOND GENEROUSLY TO
CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS. WHILE THE G8 REPRESENTATIVES IN
ROME RECOGNIZE THE NEED FOR URGENT ACTION, THEY EMPHASIZE AT
THE SAME TIME THE NEED TO ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSES OF FAMINE.
THE G8 REPRESENTATIVES IN ROME RECOGNIZE THE AFRICA ACTION
PLAN AS THE MAIN BASIS FOR G8 ACTION TO ADDRESS LONG-TERM
FOOD SECURITY IN AFRICA. FUTURE ACTIONS SHOULD BE GUIDED BY
THE IMPLEMENTATION REPORT TO BE PRESENTED DURING THE SUMMIT
OF EVIAN. THESE ACTIONS SHOULD BE FULLY SUPPORTIVE OF THE
NEPAD INITIATIVE.
THE G8 REPRESENTATIVES IN ROME NOTE THAT MANY OF THE LONGER-
TERM ACTIONS TO AVOID FAMINE PROPOSED BY FAO, IFAD AND WFP
ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE AFRICA ACTION PLAN. HOWEVER,
WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL ATTENTION TO IMPROVE
SOME ASPECTS OF SHORT-TERM EMERGENCY RESPONSES. IN
PARTICULAR:
- STRENGTHENING EARLY WARNING AND FORECAST SYSTEMS AT THE
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ9495
PAGE 01 ROME 01268 02 OF 05 251629Z
ACTION SSO-00
INFO LOG-00 AGRE-00 AID-00 ANHR-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00
TEDE-00 IO-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02 SS-00 TEST-00 PRM-00
SAS-00 /002W
------------------4A755B 251629Z /38
P 251620Z MAR 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8946
INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
AMEMBASSY OTTAWA
AMEMBASSY MOSCOW
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
USEU BRUSSELS 3176
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
UNCLAS SECTION 02 OF 05 ROME 001268
SIPDIS
AIDAC
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR U/S LARSON, A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/WE,
IO/EDA SWINNICK, E FOR CPENCE
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 01268 02 OF 05 251629Z
USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA
BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS
USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ
GENEVA FOR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID, AORC, UN, PREF, EAGR, ECON, KUNR, WFP
SUBJECT: G8 FAMINE MEETINGS IN ROME
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL LEVELS.
- IMPROVING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND CONTINGENCY PLANNING.
- IMPROVING INTERNATIONAL CAPACITY FOR ACCURATE NEEDS
ASSESSMENT AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS.
- ENSURING THAT EMERGENCY NON-FOOD NEEDS (EG., WATER,
SANITATION, BASIC HEALTH) ARE ADEQUATELY ADDRESSED.
- TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIV/AIDS-
AFFECTED COMMUNITIES.
THE G8 REPRESENTATIVES IN ROME CONFIRM THEIR WILLINGNESS TO
PLAY THEIR FULL PART IN ADDRESSING THESE ADDITIONAL NEEDS
AND IN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AFRICA ACTION PLAN." END UK
DRAFT TEXT.
--------------------------
G8 REACTION TO UK PROPOSAL
--------------------------
4. (SBU) THE UK APPROACH, ENDORSED BY THE EUROPEAN
COMMISSION AND CANADA, FAVORS ADOPTING WHAT THE RUSSIAN
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 01268 02 OF 05 251629Z
FEDERATION DELEGATE TERMED THE "LEAST COMMON DENOMINATOR"
APPROACH. THE OTHER G8 DELEGATIONS JAPAN, GERMANY, RUSSIAN
FEDERATION, ITALY - ALL SUGGESTED THAT THEY SUPPORTED
SENDING BOTH THE UK EFFORT AND THE MORE ROBUST U.S. - FRENCH
TEXT FORWARD, APPENDING TO THE LATTER DOCUMENT A LISTING OF
THE SPECIFIC DIFFICULTIES NOTED.
--------------------------------------------- ------
THE U.S. - FRENCH DRAFT TEXT FOR FASS CONSIDERATION
--------------------------------------------- ------
5. (SBU) BEGIN TEXT. "IN 2003, 38 MILLION PEOPLE IN SUB-
SAHARAN AFRICA ARE AT RISK OF STARVATION. THE POTENTIAL FOR
WIDESPREAD FAMINE IS WITHOUT PRECEDENT, DUE TO CHRONIC
POVERTY, HIV/AIDS, CONFLICT, ERRATIC CLIMATE CONDITIONS,
LACK OF SUPPORT FOR AGRICULTURE, NATURAL DISASTERS AND POOR
GOVERNANCE. THE G8 SEEKS TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF
THEIR AID BY CONCENTRATING ON KEY PRIORITIES AND PROPOSING
CONCRETE ACTION.
I. PREVENTION AND ACTION AGAINST THE CAUSES OF FAMINE
I) EARLY WARNING: IT IS ESSENTIAL TO INCREASE FOCUS ON THE
PREVENTION OF FAMINE. THEREFORE, THE G8 RECOMMENDS
REVIEWING AND IMPROVING EARLY WARNING AND FORECAST SYSTEMS,
AND CONTINGENCY PLANS, AT THE NATIONAL AND REGIONAL LEVELS.
WE STRONGLY SUPPORT REGIONAL EFFORTS IN THIS AREA, SUCH AS
THE REASCO INITIATIVE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA WITH SADC AND THE
SUCCESSFUL MODEL OF THE CILSS (COMITE INTERGOUVERNEMENTAL DE
LUTTE CONTRE LA SECHERESSE AU SAHEL IN WEST AFRICA). WE
SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMON TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 01268 02 OF 05 251629Z
CARRYING OUT FOOD SECURITY NEEDS ASSESSMENTS, INCLUDING
AGREEMENT ON "PRE-FAMINE INDICATORS" TO TRIGGER A RESPONSE
AT THE OUTSET OF A CRISIS. IN ADDITION TO AGRICULTURAL
INDICATORS, NUTRITIONAL STATUS MEASURES SHOULD BE INTEGRATED
INTO THE ASSESSMENTS, PERFORMED BY WFP, FAO, UNICEF,
BILATERAL AGENCIES, REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND STRENGTHENED
NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. IN PARTICULAR, WE ENCOURAGE THE UN
AGENCIES TO PRIORITIZE ASSISTANCE TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
NATIONWIDE NUTRITION SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS IN DISASTER-PRONE
COUNTRIES THROUGHOUT AFRICA.
II) HIV/AIDS: MEASURES ARE REQUIRED TO TACKLE THE IMPACT OF
HIV/AIDS THROUGH IMPROVED NUTRITIONAL TARGETING, ACCESS TO
AFFORDABLE CARE AND TREATMENT, AND SOCIAL PROTECTION
PROGRAMMES. WE ENCOURAGE DONORS AND UN AGENCIES TO WORK
WITH AFFECTED GOVERNMENTS TO TACKLE THE LOSS OF HUMAN
CAPACITY AND SKILLS THROUGH HIV/AIDS, IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN
VIABLE RURAL LIVELIHOODS. SPECIFICALLY, FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS
SHOULD BE USED TO DISSEMINATE VACCINATIONS, INFORMATION ON
AIDS AWARENESS, HEALTH AND NUTRITION. FOOD BASKETS TO
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ9500
PAGE 01 ROME 01268 03 OF 05 251629Z
ACTION SSO-00
INFO LOG-00 AGRE-00 AID-00 ANHR-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00
TEDE-00 IO-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02 SS-00 TEST-00 PRM-00
SAS-00 /002W
------------------4A756E 251629Z /38
P 251620Z MAR 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8947
INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
AMEMBASSY OTTAWA
AMEMBASSY MOSCOW
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
USEU BRUSSELS 3177
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
UNCLAS SECTION 03 OF 05 ROME 001268
SIPDIS
AIDAC
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR U/S LARSON, A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/WE,
IO/EDA SWINNICK, E FOR CPENCE
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 01268 03 OF 05 251629Z
USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA
BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS
USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ
GENEVA FOR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID, AORC, UN, PREF, EAGR, ECON, KUNR, WFP
SUBJECT: G8 FAMINE MEETINGS IN ROME
RECIPIENTS SHOULD INCLUDE ENHANCED MICRONUTRIENTS AND
PROTEIN FOR HIV POSITIVE INDIVIDUALS. ADDITIONALLY,
MEASURES SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO INCORPORATE HIV/AIDS
INDICATORS IN ASSESSMENTS OF FOOD SECURITY AND
VULNERABILITY. GIVEN THAT WOMEN PRODUCE 80 PERCENT OF THE
FOOD, AS WELL AS PREPARING AND SERVING IT, SOLUTIONS ARE
NEEDED TO HELP WOMEN WEAKENED BY HIV CONTINUE TO PERFORM
THESE FUNCTIONS.
III) NON-FOOD INPUTS: UN CONSOLIDATED APPEALS INCLUDE NON-
FOOD ITEMS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE - SEEDS, TOOLS, VACCINES,
MEDICINE, SCHOOL SUPPLIES, TENTS, ETC. THE G8 COUNTRIES
SHOULD WORK WITH OTHER DONORS TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE NEEDS
ARE MET, GIVEN THEIR ROLE IN OVERCOMING THE IMMEDIATE
CRISIS.
IV) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: G8 COUNTRIES WILL CONTINUE TO WORK
TO HELP FOOD INSECURE COUNTRIES RECEIVE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
AND MAKE INFORMED CHOICES TO PROMOTE THEIR FOOD SECURITY.
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT THE NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 01268 03 OF 05 251629Z
AFRICA'S DEVELOPMENT (NEPAD) TO ENSURE THAT NO COUNTRY
GENUINELY COMMITTED TO POVERTY REDUCTION, GOOD GOVERNANCE
AND ECONOMIC REFORM WILL BE DENIED THE CHANCE TO ACHIEVE THE
MILLENIUM GOALS. IN EMERGENCIES, GREATER TECHNICAL
COORDINATION IS REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT OPTIMUM USE IS MADE
OF EXISTING LOGISTIC RESOURCES AND COMMERCIAL NETWORKS.
II. FLEXIBLE APPROACHES TO FAMINE. NOTE: THIS SECTION OF
TEXT IS BRACKETED, AS THERE WAS LACK OF GENERAL CONSENSUS.
END NOTE.
[(I) SCHOOL FEEDING: SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMS HELP GET POOR
CHILDREN INTO SCHOOL, HELP THEM STAY IN SCHOOL AND HELP THEM
LEARN WHILE THEY ARE THERE. MANY AGREE THAT THIS SINGLE
INTERVENTION IS CRUCIAL TO ADDRESSING THE IMMEDIATE AND LONG-
TERM CRISES. IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING ESSENTIAL NUTRITION,
THEY INCREASE ENROLMENT AND ATTENDANCE AND PROVIDE A
PIPELINE FOR THE DELIVERY OF OTHER NECESSARY INPUTS, SUCH AS
DE-WORMING INTERVENTIONS, VACCINES AND AWARENESS PROGRAMS
FOR PARENTS. THESE PROGRAMMES NEED TO BE INTEGRATED INTO
THE PRIORITIES AND RELEVANT SECTOR POLICIES OF NATIONAL
GOVERNMENTS, AND COORDINATED WITH OTHER UN AGENCIES, IN
ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF THE EDUCATION FOR ALL
INITIATIVE.
II) TWINNING: THE G8 ENCOURAGES WFP'S ESTABLISHMENT OF
PROCEDURES FOR TWINNING BETWEEN THOSE NON-TRADITIONAL DONORS
WHO HAVE FOOD STOCKS BUT CANNOT PAY FOR TRANSPORT AND THOSE
DONORS WHO ARE ABLE TO COVER THESE COSTS. THESE GUIDELINES
MUST DEFINE SPECIFIC CRITERIA FOR ITS USE AND SHOULD INCLUDE
A DEDICATED FUND TO SUPPORT THESE EFFORTS.
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 01268 03 OF 05 251629Z
III) MICRO-LEVEL ASSISTANCE: SPECIFIC INITIATIVES SHOULD
PROVIDE CASH ASSISTANCE TO VULNERABLE POPULATIONS,
ESPECIALLY WOMEN, AFTER THE FIRST INDICATIONS OF A POTENTIAL
FAMINE SITUATION. ADDITIONALLY, DONORS AND UN AGENCIES
SHOULD WORK TO STRENGTHEN SMALL, COMMUNITY-BASED GROUPS IN
DISASTER-PRONE AREAS.
IV) CASH-FOR-WORK: CASH-FOR-WORK PROGRAMS ALLOW GOVERNMENTS
TO USE ASSISTANCE MONIES TO PAY PEOPLE TO WORK (SUCH AS IN
AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES LIKE PLANTING,
IRRIGATION OR ROAD CONSTRUCTIONS) AND CAN BE A PARTICULARLY
APPROPRIATE TOOL IN CASES WHERE FOOD IS AVAILABLE, BUT THE
POPULATION DOES NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO PURCHASE.
FOOD AID SHOULD BE PROVIDED AS APPROPRIATE. PREVENTION
DEPENDS ON BETTER CO-ORDINATION AND COHERENCE BETWEEN
MULTILATERAL INSTITUTIONS, NGO'S AND GOVERNMENTS OF THE
AFFECTED COUNTRIES AND IMPROVING LOCAL MARKETS THROUGH
REGIONAL CO-OPERATION. THESE PROGRAMS, ALONG WITH FOOD-FOR-
WORK, STRENGTHEN LOCAL LEADERSHIP AND STRUCTURES AND IMPROVE
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ9506
PAGE 01 ROME 01268 04 OF 05 251630Z
ACTION SSO-00
INFO LOG-00 AGRE-00 AID-00 ANHR-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00
TEDE-00 IO-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02 SS-00 TEST-00 PRM-00
SAS-00 /002W
------------------4A7584 251630Z /38
P 251620Z MAR 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8948
INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
AMEMBASSY OTTAWA
AMEMBASSY MOSCOW
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
USEU BRUSSELS 3178
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
UNCLAS SECTION 04 OF 05 ROME 001268
SIPDIS
AIDAC
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR U/S LARSON, A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/WE,
IO/EDA SWINNICK, E FOR CPENCE
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 01268 04 OF 05 251630Z
USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA
BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS
USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ
GENEVA FOR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID, AORC, UN, PREF, EAGR, ECON, KUNR, WFP
SUBJECT: G8 FAMINE MEETINGS IN ROME
COPING MECHANISMS.
V) MARKET DISTRIBUTION: G8 COUNTRIES SHOULD INCREASE THE USE
OF "MARKET DISTRIBUTION" OF FOOD AID IN FAMINE PREVENTION
INITIATIVES. MARKET DISTRIBUTION ACTIVITIES ARE DEFINED AS
THE CONTROLLED SALE OF FOOD COMMODITIES INTO MARKETS THAT
HAVE LOST, OR WILL LOSE, THE CAPACITY TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE
COMMODITIES TO THE LOCAL POPULATION. EFFORTS SHOULD ALSO BE
MADE TO IMPROVE THE NATIONAL CAPACITY OF COUNTRIES TO IMPORT
FOOD ON TIME TO WHERE IT IS NEEDED.]
III. COMMITMENT TO INSURE LONG-TERM FOOD SECURITY
I) REINVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT: THERE IS AN
URGENT NEED TO REVERSE THE TREND IN LACK OF INVESTMENT AND
DISINVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURE IN THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES,
BOTH THROUGH BILATERAL DONORS, AS WELL AS THROUGH THE MULTI-
LATERAL LENDING INSTITUTIONS. THIS INCLUDES HELPING TO
CREATE A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR,
IMPROVING WIDER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, AND IMPLEMENTING
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 01268 04 OF 05 251630Z
ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURES AND OPEN DEMOCRATIC
SYSTEMS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A CONSTRUCTIVE
DIALOGUE WITH OUR AFRICAN PARTNERS TO SUPPORT THE OBJECTIVES
OF THE NEPAD.
II) HUMAN RESOURCE REPLENISHMENT: IN THE FACE OF AIDS,
AFRICAN GOVERNMENTS ARE LOSING THE CAPACITY TO IMPLEMENT
PROGRAMS TO BENEFIT THEIR POPULATIONS. CREATIVE MEASURES
SHOULD BE TAKEN TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS ON A ONE-ON-
ONE BASIS TO ENHANCE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES (I.E. PEACE CORPS, FARMER-TO-FARMER, UN
VOLUNTEERS, LELAND HUNGER FELLOWS, SISTER CITIES, ETC.).
ADDITIONALLY, EXPATRIATES OF SPECIFIC COUNTRIES SHOULD BE
ENCOURAGED TO ASSIST THEIR COUNTRIES THROUGH MORE THAN JUST
REMITTANCES.
III) WATER IN AGRICULTURE: EFFORTS SHOULD BE EXPANDED BY FAO
AND OTHERS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF WATER USAGE FOR
AGRICULTURE. IMPROVEMENTS TO SMALL-SCALE IRRIGATION, WATER
HARVESTING SYSTEMS, LOW-COST PUMPS, SMALL DAM PROGRAMS AND
PRECISION IRRIGATION SHOULD BE PURSUED WITH NATIONAL
GOVERNMENTS. MAJOR RIVER BASIN STUDIES ON THE USE OF WATER
RESOURCES IN AFRICA SHOULD BE COMPLETED WITH DISPATCH AND
RECOMMENDATIONS IMPLEMENTED.
IV) HIV/AIDS: ENHANCED ACTION AGAINST THE HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC
IS NEEDED, INCLUDING ADDRESSING THE PLIGHT OF ORPHANS AND
OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS AND THE LOSS OF HUMAN SKILLS AND
CAPACITY. EFFORTS TO SUPPORT EDUCATION AND AIDS AWARENESS,
WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON GIRLS AND WOMEN, SHOULD BE ENHANCED.
MICRO-ENTERPRISE PROJECTS SHOULD FOCUS ESPECIALLY ON WOMEN,
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 01268 04 OF 05 251630Z
AS THEY ARE THE KEY FOOD PROVIDERS AND THE KEY TO FIGHTING
AIDS. G8 COUNTRIES AND UN AGENCIES ARE URGED TO BECOME
FORCEFUL ADVOCATES WITH NATIONAL LEADERS, PARLIAMENTARIANS
AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO DEVELOP POLICIES TO SUPPORT
ORPHANS AND STRENGTHEN PROTECTION FOR WOMEN.
V) AGRICULTURE SCIENCE: THE G8 SHOULD PROVIDE MORE RESEARCH,
TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY AND BEST PRACTICES TO IMPROVE
AGRICULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE. G8 COUNTRIES SHOULD REDOUBLE
THEIR EFFORTS TO INCREASE AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION IN
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, ESPECIALLY THE LEAST DEVELOPED,
THROUGH IMPROVED POLICY FRAMEWORKS AND ADDITIONAL
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING
BIOTECHNOLOGY. WE ENCOURAGE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS, SUCH AS
UNIVERSITIES, FOCUSED ON AGRICULTURE TO CULTIVATE CURRENT
AND DEVELOP NEW PARTNERSHIPS WITH SIMILAR INSTITUTIONS IN
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
VI) INFRASTRUCTURE: CONTINUED EMPHASIS SHOULD BE PLACED ON
BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE NECESSARY TO CARRY PRODUCTS TO
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ9508
PAGE 01 ROME 01268 05 OF 05 251630Z
ACTION SSO-00
INFO LOG-00 AGRE-00 AID-00 ANHR-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00
TEDE-00 IO-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02 SS-00 TEST-00 PRM-00
SAS-00 /002W
------------------4A7599 251630Z /38
P 251620Z MAR 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8949
INFO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
AMEMBASSY OTTAWA
AMEMBASSY MOSCOW
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
USEU BRUSSELS 3179
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
UNCLAS SECTION 05 OF 05 ROME 001268
SIPDIS
AIDAC
FROM U.S. MISSION IN ROME
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR U/S LARSON, A/S PRM DEWEY, IO A/S HOLMES, EUR/WE,
IO/EDA SWINNICK, E FOR CPENCE
USDA/FAS FOR U/S PENN, MCHAMBLISS AND RTILSWORTH
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 01268 05 OF 05 251630Z
USAID FOR ADMINISTRATOR NATSIOS, AA/DCHA WINTER, D/DCHA/OFDA
BMCCONNELL, D/DCHA/FFP LANDIS
USUN FOR AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE AND MLUTZ
GENEVA FOR RMA
BRUSSELS FOR USEU
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID, AORC, UN, PREF, EAGR, ECON, KUNR, WFP
SUBJECT: G8 FAMINE MEETINGS IN ROME
MARKET, SUCH AS ROADS AND RAILWAYS. THIS SHOULD ALSO
INCLUDE PROVISION OF RURAL CREDIT AND FINANCE, VALUE-ADDED
INITIATIVES IN FOOD PROCESSING, STORAGE FACILITIES AND
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO BRIDGE THE RURAL DIGITAL DIVIDE.
VII) RURAL MICRO-CREDIT: THE G8 COUNTRIES WILL ENCOURAGE THE
WORLD BANK, IFAD AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL
INSTITUTIONS TO INCREASE THEIR FUNDING FOR RURAL MICRO-
FINANCE, AIMED AT THE POOREST OF THE POOR. THESE EFFORTS
HAVE PROVEN SUCCESSFUL AT INCREASING INCOME AND SUBSEQUENTLY
IMPROVING FOOD SECURITY." END OF U.S. - FRENCH DRAFT TEXT.
-------
COMMENT
-------
6. (SBU) THE DESIRE OF BOTH THE FRENCH AND U.S. CO-CHAIRS TO
MOVE THE PROCESS FORWARD IS CLEAR, GIVEN OUR SENSE OF
URGENCY IN ADDRESSING THE PRESENT THREAT OF FAMINE IN SUB-
SAHARAN AFRICA. THE UK, THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND CANADA
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 01268 05 OF 05 251630Z
PREFER A "MINIMALIST" APPROACH TO PROPOSALS DIRECTED AT
COMBATING FAMINE. THEY ARE RETICENT TO BE SEEN AS AHEAD OF
THE CURVE IN ENDORSING ANY CONCEPT THAT HAS NOT BEEN
PREVIOUSLY VETTED AND APPROVED IN OTHER FORA. WHEN ASKED TO
SUPPORT THE UK DOCUMENT, I REFUSED BECAUSE, BEING SO
"WATERED DOWN," IT SIMPLY DID NOT ACCOMPLISH THE GOALS WE
SET OUT TO ACHIEVE. FORTUNATELY, OUR FRENCH CO-CHAIR,
AMBASSADOR CHEREAU SIDED WITH US AND SEIZED THE OPPORTUNITY
TO ENSURE THAT BOTH DOCUMENTS WOULD BE FORWARDED - LEAVING
IT FOR THE SOUS SHERPAS TO SEPARATE THE "WHEAT FROM THE
CHAFF."
7. (SBU) IN GENERAL, JAPAN AND ITALY WERE MOSTLY SUPPORTIVE
OF THE U.S.- FRENCH DRAFT. GERMANY AND THE RUSSIAN
FEDERATION WERE ALSO SUPPORTIVE WITH SOME "QUALIFIERS." THE
EUROPEAN COMMISSION WAS ADAMANTLY OPPOSED TO THE ENTIRE
U.S.-FRENCH TEXT, WHICH SURPRISED THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR WHO
COMMENTED THAT HE WAS HEARING A "DIFFERENT SOUND" FROM
BRUSSELS. FINALLY, THE UK AND CANADA DUG IN ON "LESSER IS
BETTER." NOTE: CANADA'S AMBASSADOR BOB FOWLER WAS NOT
PRESENT AT TODAY'S MEETING. END NOTE.
8. (U) THE WFP 2003 FOOD NEEDS AND COMMITMENT ANALYSIS WILL
BE SENT VIA E-MAIL TO STATE/IO AND STATE/E. HALL
UNCLASSIFIED
>
2003ROME01268 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Latest source of this page is cablebrowser-2, released 2011-10-04