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DE RUEHC #9149 1550207
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O P 030159Z JUN 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHRO/AMEMBASSY ROME IMMEDIATE 6567
INFO ALL EACT POSTS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHRC/DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
UNCLAS STATE 059149
SIPDIS, FOR FODAG, NSC FOR K MCDONALD
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR EAID IR ZI VE CU
SUBJECT: USG LEVEL OF REPRESENTATION DURING CERTAIN MEMBER
STATES' PRESENTATIONS AT THE ROME UN FOOD SECURITY
CONFERENCE
1. This cable provides guidance on USG level of
representation during certain member states' official
presentations during the June 3-5 UN Food Security
Conference in Rome.
2. The Department understands that Iran, Venezuela, and
Zimbabwe will be represented by their heads of state at
the Rome conference and by the deputy-head of state in the
case of Cuba. The Department advises that senior-level
USG officials on the U.S. delegation to the conference,
including those at the level of Deputy Assistant Secretary
or above should vacate "the U.S. chair," leaving only a
note taker, during the presentations by Iran, Venezuela,
Zimbabwe and Cuba.
3. If the statements by Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba
specifically criticize the United States, the U.S.
delegation may use its discretion to respond in a "right
of reply" or a statement to the press afterwards.
4. For Zimbabwe, rather than exercise a right of reply,
US del should coordinate prior to the session with
like-minded delegations to join a walkout in the event
Zimbabwe President Mugabe makes statements critical of the
United States.
5. Senior USG officials may remain in the chair during
all other presentations.
RICE