ICAO CONFERENCE DEMARCHE DELIVERED TO DOMINICAN

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 004892

SIPDIS

IO/T AND EB/TRA, US MISSION TO ICAO, FAA NATIONAL
HEADQUARTERS WASHINGTON DC (AIA-100)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAIR XX
SUBJECT: ICAO CONFERENCE DEMARCHE DELIVERED TO DOMINICAN
CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITIES

REF: STATE 168335


1. (U) Econoff delivered reftel talking points as a
non-paper to newly appointed Director General of Civil
Aviation (DGAC) Norge BOTELLO Fernandez. Botello confirmed
that the Dominican Republic will support re-election of the
United States to the ICAO Council and in general would
support U.S. policies concerning civil aviation. Botello did
not guarantee that he personally would attend the conference
but said he would send a delegation. Economic officer
invited Botello to the U.S. sponsored luncheon on September

28.


2. (SBU) Comment and bio note: The GODR underwent a change of
administrations on August 16. President Fernandez has
replaced all senior officials in the GODR, including those in
civil aviation. Botello was a former Minister of Interior
and Police in the previous Fernandez Administration
(1996-2000). Botello's appointment is not based on any
experience in civil aviation. He does not speak English
fluently. In the late 1980's Botello was a deputy in the
Chamber of Deputies (lower house of Congress) for the Partido
de la Liberacion Dominicana (PLD) and in the early 90's he
served as President of the Chamber of Deputies. He was born
on November 11, 1940 in San Pedro de Macoris.
HERTELL