DAS DESHAZO MEETING WITH FOREIGN MINISTER CHADERTON

C O N F I D E N T I A L CARACAS 000294 SIPDIS NSC FOR CBARTON USCINCSO ALSO FOR POLAD STATE PASS USAID FOR DCHA/OTI E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/27/2014 TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM VE SUBJECT: DAS DESHAZO MEETING WITH FOREIGN MINISTER CHADERTON REF: CARACAS 176 Classified By: Political Counselor Abelardo A. Arias for Reasons 1.4(b) and (d) -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) On January 22, WHA DAS Peter DeShazo and Ambassador met with Foreign Minister Roy Chaderton. In addition to the Venezuelan recall referendum process, they discussed: DeShazo's speech to the Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce, recent comments by USG officials regarding Venezuela, GOV-Cuban relations, GOV relations with FARC, the two Venezuelan National Guard lieutenants who have requested asylum in the US, and the Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism. Chaderton assured DeShazo that a constitutional process would be followed with the referendum and provided standard GOV responses on other issues. Chaderton was accompanied by MFA Chief of Staff Rene Arreaza and US Deskoff Rebeca Guevara; DeShazo by the Ambassador and Poloff. End summary. -------------- The Big Issue - The Referendum -------------- ¶2. (C) DeShazo noted that there is great interest in Washington in the referendum process. Washington is following the verification process closely and understands that the CNE is proceeding well in this technical period. Chaderton immediately made reference to the international observers and their constructive role. DeShazo agreed with Chaderton, and said that a peaceful, constitutional outcome through the implementation of OAS resolution 833 is the goal of the USG and the international community. Chaderton responded that a constitutional process will be followed, saying that if enough signatures were collected, there will be a referendum. -------------- More GOV Reactions to USG Comments -------------- ¶3. (C) Weaved into the discussion on the referendum, Chaderton managed to make reference to USG comments by President Bush, the Secretary, Special Envoy Otto Reich, the Deputy Department Spokesman, WHA A/S Roger Noriega, and National Security Advisor Rice. Chaderton found Bush to be "well spoken" at the Monterrey Summit and also agreed with the basic points that Secretary Powell has made regarding the referendum. Chaderton called comments by Reich inappropriate. He acknowledged that President Chavez's comments about Rice were "very tough," but offered no apology (see reftel). After listing her academic achievements, Chaderton asserted that Rice does not understand the situation in Venezuela. Chaderton also said that what worries the GOV is that USG comments are biased toward the opposition. DeShazo rejected Chavez's comments about Dr. Rice as an inappropriate personal attack. -------------- Other Issues -------------- ¶4. (C) VenAmCham speech - Early in the meeting, Chaderton said the VenAmCham is becoming a politicized, Anti-Chavez organization, reserving special venom for the outgoing Venamcham President Andres Mata, owner of the Caracas newspaper "El Universal." DeShazo noted his personal friendship with Mata and support for Venamcham. ¶5. (C) GOV-FARC relations - DeShazo repeated the comments he made to Chaderton in December about the need for Venezuela to be vigilant against terrorism, especially regarding the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Chaderton indicated that the GOV relationship with Colombia was delicate. In addition, he referenced the recent killing of 7 GOV National Guard members allegedly by Colombian paramilitary group AUC. ¶6. (C) GOV-GOC relations - Responding to DeShazo's expression of USG concern about GOV-Cuban relations, which he had also raised with Chaderton in December, the Foreign Minister complained that US policy caters to the Cuban-American community in Miami and lamented that the embargo harms the Cuban people. He defended the presence of Cuban doctors in Venezuela, claiming that other countries (Guatemala) allow them in without US complaint. ¶7. (C) GOV National Guard asylees - Chaderton broached the issue of the two GOV National Guard lieutenants, who the GOV claims are linked to two embassy bombings, seeking asylum in the U.S. DeShazo indicated that there are legal processes that must be followed and assured Chaderton that any decision on extradition would be in keeping with pertinent legal requirements and procedures. ¶8. (C) Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism (IACT) - Chaderton inquired about the status of the IACT in the USG. DeShazo explained that it is before the Senate. He emphasized the administration's interest in ratification and the importance of coordinated action against terrorism in the Americas. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶9. (C) In general, Chaderton appeared to be following strict guidelines on talking points, particularly when inquiring about the GOV National Guard officials seeking asylum in the U.S. and in defending Chavez's comments about USG officials. He was much harsher in his comments than was VP Rangel in the subsequent meeting. ¶10. (U) DAS DeShazo reviewed this message. SHAPIRO NNNN