BRAZILIAN RESPONSE TO DATES FOR FOURTH PLENARY

UNCLAS BRASILIA 002994 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER PGOV BR ARCH PY SUBJECT: BRAZILIAN RESPONSE TO DATES FOR FOURTH PLENARY MEETING OF THE 3 PLUS 1 GROUP REF: STATE 202017 ¶1. Poloffs delivered reftel dip note November 10 to Marcos Pinta Gama, Director of the Office to Combat Illicit Transnational Activities (COCIT) at the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations (MRE). Pinta Gama told Poloffs that the MRE still intends to hold the meeting on December 5-6. However, he noted, Paraguay has requested that the meetings occur on December 13-14, saying that a MERCOSUR summit that begins on December 8 in Asuncion would make it difficult for them to attend a December 5-6 session. Pinta Gama said he had send the Paraguayan request to the Brazilian embassy in Washington for the purpose of discussions with the USG. Reiterating that Brazil still prefers December 5-6, he suggested the USG may want to engage directly with Paraguay to bring them around to our position. Pinta Gama plans to chair the 3 plus 1 plenary meeting. ¶2. Pinta Gama said he hoped to have the agenda finalized by early next week. At present, it includes: -- Initial Remarks -- Discussion of the December 2004 Washington Plenary: According to Pinta Gama, participants will discuss last December's meetings and the results of activities that occurred as a result of the meeting, such as the recent FIU meeting in Asuncion. The GOB also plans to address the current situation at the tri-border area, drugs and arms trafficking, contraband smuggling, money laundering, terrorism, and other issues. -- Discussion on the development of an information exchange program for the tri-border region. -- Discussion on developing and maintaining training and institution building programs. -- Discussion of future meetings and activities, including FIU meetings: Pinta Gama envisioned planning future FIU meetings during this discussion. -- Adoption of a joint communique. Pinta Gama noted that he expects to send the proposed agenda to Brazilian embassies in Buenos Aires, Asuncion, Washington today for their approval. Pinta Gama said he expects to receive a finalized agenda by early next week. CHICOLA