Cablegate: Russia: No More Funds for Polio

VZCZCXYZ0007
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHMO #5334 3121507
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 081507Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY MOSCOW
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 5142

UNCLAS MOSCOW 005334

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR OES/IHB (TIERRA COPELAND AND PATRICIA MURPHY)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID TBIO SOCI RS
SUBJECT: RUSSIA: NO MORE FUNDS FOR POLIO

REF: A. STATE 145251

B. 06 MOSCOW 12876

1. (SBU) We shared Ref A message on the need for further funding for
the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) with Deputy Finance
Minister Storchak, and with International Department officials from
the MFA, Health and Social Development Ministry, and the Federal
Surveillance Service for Consumer Rights Protection and Human
Well-Being (Rospotrebnadzor). On November 6, Deputy Minister
Storchak told us that it was unlikely that Russia would be able to
contribute any additional funds beyond the $18 million already
committed as part of the infectious diseases focus of Russia's 2006
G8 Presidency (Ref B). However, Storchak said that he would explore
the possibility of accelerated disbursement of the remaining $15
million Russian commitment to the GPEI ($3 million has already been
received by the WHO.) He noted as an aside that Russia is being
approached from all corners to contribute money to international
causes and initiatives.

2. (SBU) Rospotrebnadzor International Department Director Alexander
Kucherenko also told us on November 6 that WHO Director General
Margaret Chan wrote to Finance Minister Kudrin and Rospotrenadzor
Head Onishchenko three months ago requesting a further Russian
contribution to the GPEI. The Russians had already responded to the
WHO that a further contribution for polio eradication was not
possible at this time.

BURNS

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