Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05QUITO2193
2005-09-23 22:30:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Quito
Cable title:  

BACKGROUND ON NEW ECUADORIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

Tags:  PREL PGOV PINR EC 
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UNCLAS QUITO 002193 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR EC
SUBJECT: BACKGROUND ON NEW ECUADORIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

UNCLAS QUITO 002193

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR EC
SUBJECT: BACKGROUND ON NEW ECUADORIAN FOREIGN MINISTER


1. Summary: (SBU) Francisco Carrion Mena, who has been tapped
to replace Foreign Minister Antonio Parra, comes to the job
with a history of leftist leanings, but with a solid
background as a career diplomat and a good relationship with
the United States. Carrion, the current ambassador to Spain,
and Parra will switch jobs in October. End Summary.


2. (SBU) Press accounts and Embassy sources say the veteran
diplomat shares some ideology with his grandfather Benjamin
Carrion (1897-1979),a prominent left-wing intellectual. The
elder Carrion penned numerous books, promoted cultural
enrichment in Ecuador and is considered one of the country's
most influential leaders. An Embassy source claims the
younger Carrion took part in leftist political movements in
his youth.


3. (U) Carrion is highly esteemed by his future peers in the
cabinet. Media describe him as a demanding perfectionist who
should not be seen as a pawn to U.S. interests. President
Palacio was quoted as saying that the change in leadership
would not alter the country's foreign policy course. Carrion
will maintain Ecuador's defense of its sovereignty and
national interests, Palacio stated publicly, "but in a less
confrontational and belligerent way."


4. (U) Carrion's 31-year diplomatic career includes postings
in London (1991 to 1996) and Paris (1982 to 1988). He
achieved career ambassador rank in 1996 and served as Vice
Minister of the Foreign Ministry from 1998 to 2000. From
1996 to 1998 he worked on peace negotiations with Peru while
also serving as Subsecretary for National Sovereignty.


5. (U) Born in Quito April 8, 1953, Carrion studied law and
diplomatic affairs, receiving a undergraduate degree from
Central University in Quito in 1974 and his doctorate from
the same university in 1978. He taught international
relations courses at Central University and the Diplomatic
Academy from 1988 to 1992. Carrion came to the United States
under the International Visitor program in 1989. He speaks
English, French and Spanish. He is married to Paulina Arcos,
an art historian. They have two sons. Carrion's brother,
Andres, is a prominent TV news anchor in Quito.


6. (U) Carrion's five-year term in Madrid coincided with a
period of massive Ecuadorian economic migration to that
country. Between 1999 and 2003 the Ecuadorian population in
Spain grew from 50,000 to 400,000. As a consequence, Carrion
focused on maintaining orderly migration and protecting
migrants' rights. He addressed the issue through contact
with Spanish and Ecuadorian NGOs and by participation on the
United Nations Committee on the Protection of the Rights of
All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families.


7. Comment: (SBU) Since his IV visit, Carrion has
reportedly had an open and cordial relationship with U.S.
counterparts. Newly appointed cabinet ministers and solid
USG contacts Oswaldo Jarrin of Defense and Oswaldo Molestina
of Government hold Carrion in high regard for his talent and
professionalism. We are guardedly optimistic about the
change in leadership at the Foreign Ministry. Admittedly,
Carrion benefits from any comparison to his predessor who
consistently set back mission goals by courting Venezuela and
provoking Colombia.
JEWELL