DEMARCHE REQUEST TO ENCOURAGE NICARAGUA TO DESTROY

C O N F I D E N T I A L OTTAWA 001735

SIPDIS

FOR PM/WRA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/08/2015
TAGS: MARR PARM PREL PTER MASS CA
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE REQUEST TO ENCOURAGE NICARAGUA TO DESTROY
MANPADS

REF: (A) OTTAWA 1663 (NOTAL) (B) SECSTATE 100646
(NOTAL)

Classified By: POL M/C Brian Flora. E.O. 12958 as amended.
Reason 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Following-up on reftels June 7, Regional Security
Affairs (IDC) desk officer Anne-Marie Spain at Foreign
Affairs Canada informed polmiloff that Canada believes that
"all actors, not just the Government of Nicaragua" should be
approached regarding MANPADS destruction. Spain said that
while Canada does not maintain a mission in Managua,
Canadian Ambassador to Costa Rica Mario Lague is accredited
to Nicaragua. He and members of his staff try to visit
Nicaragua at least once a month. Spain identified Canadian
poloff Robert Richard of the Embassy in San Jose as the
principal contact for the MANPADS issue. She said that a
demarche at the Ambassador's level would be possible as well.


2. (C) The timing of the Canadians' next visit to Managua is
unclear. We anticipate, however, that Ambassador Lague
and/or Canadian poloff will want to touch base, if not
coordinate, with USG counterparts about demarching the GON.
Post's assistance is appreciated.

Visit Canada's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/ottawa

DICKSON