Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05BOGOTA8329
2005-09-02 20:46:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bogota
Cable title:  

COLOMBIA ON SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS PREPARATIONS

Tags:  KSUM PGOV ECON CO OAS 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L BOGOTA 008329 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/02/2015
TAGS: KSUM PGOV ECON CO OAS
SUBJECT: COLOMBIA ON SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS PREPARATIONS

REF: STATE 158875

Classified By: Political Counselor Jeffrey DeLaurentis
for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L BOGOTA 008329

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/02/2015
TAGS: KSUM PGOV ECON CO OAS
SUBJECT: COLOMBIA ON SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS PREPARATIONS

REF: STATE 158875

Classified By: Political Counselor Jeffrey DeLaurentis
for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary. The United States can "count on Colombia's
support" at the Summit of the Americas if such support is
"crucial," according to the MFA, but Colombia hopes to avoid
being in the middle of disputes, especially with Venezuela,
unless absolutely necessary. The GOC asked for support for
its "democratic security" agenda and suggested a meeting
between MFA Vice Minister Camilo Reyes and Ambassador Maisto
September 7-9 in Buenos Aires. End Summary.


2. (U) Poloffs made Ref A demarche to MFA Director for the
Summit of the Americas Francisco Gonzalez on August 29,
stressing U.S. commitment to a successful Summit but noting
concerns about the unfocused nature of the draft Declaration
and the pace of negotiations. Poloffs encouraged the MFA to
consider a simple leaders' statement in the event that a
consensus Declaration cannot be finished before the November
Summit.


3. (C) Gonzalez noted that the GOC and the U.S. were in
accord on most issues, including that a private-sector led,
free market economy is the foundation for prosperity and
social development. However, he noted that the U.S. should
not expect a lot of comment from Colombia during the Summit
on U.S. economic priorities. "But, we won't get in your way,"
he said.


4. (C) According to Gonzalez, the GOC intends to be
aggressive on only one issue: "democratic security." For
Colombia, he said, there can be no economic growth and no
progress on social development goals without security. The
GOC would appreciate U.S. support on security issues.


5. (C) In general, Gonzalez said that the U.S. "could count
on GOC support" at the Summit, but was quick to note that the
GOC would not get into the middle of any debate between the
U.S. and Venezuela and Argentina unless it "were necessary."
Gonzalez said the GOC does not want problems with Venezuela,
but promised GOC backing if it were "crucial" or if the US
"badly needed" assistance.


6. (C) While Gonzelez did not leap at the opportunity to
provide input for a leaders' declaration on shared goals, he
noted that Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Camilo
Reyes will attend the September 7-9 meeting in Buenos Aires
and would welcome the opportunity to meet with Ambassador
Maisto.
WOOD