Cablegate: Rwanda On Un Rape Resolution and Fao Reform

VZCZCXRO7447
PP RUEHRN
DE RUEHLGB #1061 3191510
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 151510Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY KIGALI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4913
INFO RUEAUSA/USDA FAS WASHDC PRIORITY
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0088
RUEHRN/USMISSION UN ROME PRIORITY

UNCLAS KIGALI 001061

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR IO/EDA SHARON KOTOK, IO/RHS LINDA LUM
USDA/FAS FOR WENDELL DENNIS AND GEORGE DOUVELIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNGA AORC FAO RW
SUBJECT: RWANDA ON UN RAPE RESOLUTION AND FAO REFORM
INITIATIVE

REF: A. STATE 155063

B. STATE 152277
C. KIGALI 979
D. KIGALI 969
E. KIGALI 857

1. (SBU) Pol/Econ Chief and poloff met November 15 with
Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Affairs Director
Ben Rutsinga to discuss the U.S.-sponsored rape resolution
pending before the General Assembly, and the FAO "external
evaluation" demarche. Rutsinga began by categorically
restating what he told Embassy officers on three previous
occasions (refs C, D and E): Rwanda supports USG language on
the rape resolution. He added that he had personally drafted
and sent his Ministry's instructions to Rwanda's delegation
in New York, mandating support for the USG resolution. When
asked once again if Rwanda would consider becoming a
co-sponsor, he gave the same reply as previously: "We will
consider it." However, his remarks focused on Rwanda's
unwavering support for the USG language on the resolution.

2. (SBU) In regard to the FAO "external evaluation"
demarche, Rutsinga listened attentively to the general
concept of a reform of the FAO through formal endorsement of
the outside evaluation, and adoption of a one-year budget to
aid the transition to a renewed and restructured FAO. He
noted that his ministry would work carefully with the
Ministry of Agriculture on the issue, and he pledged that he
would seek out the "technical officer" at Agriculture to gain
his input by November 16. He indicated that the Minister of
Agriculture had sought permission to travel to Rome for the
November 17-24 conference, and would likely receive it. He
offered to share the combined position of the two ministries
when he had it in hand.

ARIETTI

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