NIGERIA WILL SUPPORT INCUMBENT ICAO CHAIRMAN AND

UNCLAS ABUJA 000983 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EAIR ECON NI SUBJECT: NIGERIA WILL SUPPORT INCUMBENT ICAO CHAIRMAN AND REQUESTS USG SUPPORT FOR GON COUNCIL SEAT REF: (A) ABUJA 364 (B) STATE 69416 (C) STATE 70425 ¶1. This is an action request. Please see para 6. ¶2. EconOff spoke with Chief Owodu, Technical Assistant to the Minister of Aviation, on April 25 regarding the election of ICAO Council President as requested Refs B and C. Chief Owodu said that Nigeria would support the incumbent, Dr. Assad Kotaite, as he has done a "superlative job" leading the ICAO. ¶3. The Embassy received on April 18 a Note Verbale from MFA to all accredited High Commissions, Embassies and International Organizations in Nigeria that are members of the ICAO requesting support for Nigerian re-election into the Council of ICAO. The text of the Note is as follows: ¶4. Begin text of Note: Note No F705/2001 (complimentary opening) ...the Federal Government of Nigeria has decided to present its candidacy for re-election into the Council of ICAO during the General Assembly Session of the organization scheduled to be held from 25 September - 5 October, 2001. The Federal Government of Nigeria solicits the support of the Governments of the Accredited Representatives for the Nigerian candidacy. (complimentary closing) End text of Note. ¶5. COMMENT: According to Ministry of Aviation officials, Nigeria's position vis--vis ICAO is handled regionally at the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in Dakar. AFCAC's position on these two issues, according to Ministry officials, is closer to the European position (Ref A). In examining Nigeria's candidacy to the ICAO Council, Department may want to consider GON willingness to support positions contrary to USG interests on emissions levels and noise standards. On the other hand, Nigeria's bid for reelection could provide an opportunity to seek GON support for issues pending decision within the ICAO. END COMMENT. ¶6. ACTION REQUEST: Post will inform Nigerian MFA that its request has been forwarded to appropriate USG authorities. Please advise if Department takes a position on Nigeria's candidacy. Jeter