DAS DESHAZO'S MEETING WITH FM BARCO

id: 13821 date: 2/9/2004 19:27 refid: 04BOGOTA1318 origin: Embassy Bogota classification: CONFIDENTIAL destination: header: This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. -------------- header ends -------------- C O N F I D E N T I A L BOGOTA 001318 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/09/2014 TAGS: PREL KJUS PHUM CO VE EU SUBJECT: DAS DESHAZO'S MEETING WITH FM BARCO Classified By: Ambassador William B. Wood, Reasons: 1.5 B & D. ¶1. (C) Summary: In a meeting on February 6, WHA DAS Peter DeShazo and FM Carolina Barco discussed paramilitary demobilization and the OAS resolution on its verification mission, Colombia-Venezuela relations, and President Uribe's February 8-14 visit to Europe. End Summary. ¶2. (U) At the February 6 meeting in Bogota, WHA DAS Peter DeShazo was accompanied by DCM Milton Drucker, AID Director Michael Deal, and poloff Brian Walch. FM Carolina Barco was joined by Vice Minister Camilo Reyes (her deputy) and North America Director Francisco Gonzalez. ¶3. (C) On the subject of paramilitary demobilization, DeShazo stressed the need for accountability and truth, as well as justice for victims. Barco reiterated the GOC's commitment to keep extradition on the table, and worried about striking the correct balance between peace and justice. Barco expressed concern over Venezuela's intransigence on the OAS vote in support of a verification mission for paramilitary demobilization. (Note: Later the same day, the OAS voted to support the verification mission. End Note.) ¶4. (C) On relations with Venezuela, Barco noted that they have been rocky. She stressed President Uribe's and her desire to limit "microphone diplomacy." Despite friction, there have been two Uribe-Chavez summits during the Uribe Administration and continuing military dialogue at the field commander level. Barco mentioned plans to have vice FM level meetings to manage border incursion incidents. However, she lamented that defense minister meetings had not taken place. Turning to internal Venezuelan issues, DeShazo outlined U.S. policy and stressed the importance of the OAS and Carter Center in ensuring transparency in the all important signature verification process currently being conducted by the National Electoral Council. Barco expressed complete agreement. ¶5. (C) Regarding President Uribe's February 8-14 visit to Europe, Barco stated that Uribe would carry the message that public security and human rights have both improved markedly during his administration. Barco indicated Uribe would meet with ten prominent European human rights NGOs to explain his record. Barco worried, however, that Uribe might receive a lukewarm reception at the European Parliament. WOOD =======================CABLE ENDS============================