Cablegate: Grants Support for Pd Projects (Iceland)

VZCZCXYZ0026
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHRK #0232 2211206
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 091206Z AUG 07
FM AMEMBASSY REYKJAVIK
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3400

UNCLAS REYKJAVIK 000232

SIPDIS

SECSTATE FOR R/RRP

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OEXC SCUL KPAO IC

SUBJECT: Grants Support for PD Projects (Iceland)

REF: STATE 105588

1. The Public Affairs Section of Embassy Reykjavik receives
excellent administrative support from the Management Section for
post's PD programs, including grants. State is the only agency at
post, and therefore, PAO signs only PD-related grants.

2. The Management Section provides PD with the usual ICASS items
(budgetary oversight of the grants program, IRM system management,
HR, GSO and financial management issues). The only gap has been a
recent lack of secretarial help. A shared secretary among four
officers is a position that has been unfilled for several months,
but HR has hired a replacement, who will begin work soon.

3. Post funding for grants has been flat for several years. Post
did successfully compete for additional one-time funds from EUR/PPD
and ECA in FY2006. The volume of grants has decreased with a
decision, based on local input, to give larger grants to fewer
projects. There are adequate staff and financial resources to
monitor the performance of grantees.

4. In short, Reykjavik does not have any grants management
problems.

VAN VOORST

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