GUATEMALA: NEXT STEPS ON PSI

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 002578

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPARTMENT FOR NP/RA, T, AND WHA/CEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM PREL GT
SUBJECT: GUATEMALA: NEXT STEPS ON PSI

REF: (A) USUN 2095 (NOTAL) (B) GUATEMALA 1635 AND

PREVIOUS


1. This is an action request. See paragraph 4.


2. Following up on U/S Bolton's discussion with Guatemalan
Foreign Minister Briz (ref A),the Ambassador raised the
Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) with Briz on
September 29. Briz expressed support for the PSI in
principle. He said the Foreign Ministry would welcome a
visitor from Washington to discuss the PSI in greater depth.


3. Comment: Guatemala has only two Guatemalan-flagged
vessels. Post understands that Guatemala may therefore not
warrant bringing someone from Washington to discuss a
shipboarding agreement at this time.


4. Action request: Post requests Department guidance on how
best to respond to GOG interest in PSI.
WHARTON