Cablegate: Unaids Executive Director: Demarche Delivered

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DE RUEHMD #0998 2620748
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 180748Z SEP 08
FM AMEMBASSY MADRID
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 5337

UNCLAS MADRID 000998

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KHIV UNGA EAID
SUBJECT: UNAIDS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: DEMARCHE DELIVERED

REF: SECSTATE 97114

1. (SBU) PolOff delivered reftel points on September 15 to
Enrique Yturriaga Saldanha, Subdirector General of the MFA's
International Organizations group. Yturriaga indicated that,
although the GOS does not have a formal position on the
UNAIDS Executive Director candidacy at this time, it is
familiar with the candidate, Mr. Michel Sidibe, and has "the
best opinion of him and his work in UNAIDS." Yturriaga added
that Sidibe represents "both the experience and talent
required for the posting," and that the GOS supported his
candidacy to the Global Fund. The GOS will take the USG
points under advisement, consult other colleagues, and
carefully examine other candidates before a formal decision
is made.

2. (U) ESTOff also delivered reftel points on September 16
to Carmen Castanon Jimenez, Subdirector General of
International Relations, and Teresa Robledo de Dios,
Secretary of the National AIDS Plan, in the Ministry of
Health and Consumption. The Ministry of Health and
Consumption agrees with reftel points on the importance of
selecting a strong candidate and continuing the fight against
AIDS. However, like the MFA, the Ministry did not offer a
formal position of support for the candidacy of Dr. Sidibe,
but agreed to review the USG points and consider them when
determining which candidate to support.
Aguirre

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