ENGAGING ECUADOR ON BOLIVIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L QUITO 002795 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: TEN YEARS TAGS: PGOV PREL BO EC SUBJECT: ENGAGING ECUADOR ON BOLIVIA REF: STATE 221306 Classified By: PolChief Erik Hall for reason 1.4 (b&d) ¶1. (C) Summary: The DCM expressed USG concerns about the potential effects of upcoming Bolivian elections with Vice Foreign Minister Diego Ribadeneira, who offered his personal views on the subject. End Summary. ¶2. (U) After expressing USG concerns about the potential for destabilizing effects of upcoming elections, per RefTel, the DCM solicited GOE views on how the international community might best help Bolivia remain committed to democratic governance, economic growth, combating narco-trafficking and rule of law. ¶3. (C) Ribadeneira said he would seek the endorsement of FM Carrion and President Palacio before making a more formal GOE response, but offered his own thoughts on the subject in the interim: -- He applauded USG efforts to consult with other nations in the region on this important challenge of preserving and helping support Bolivia's democracy. -- The GOE supports a democratic solution for Bolivia, within the parameters of the Bolivian constitution. -- He suggested the USG collaborate with regional power Brazil on this issue. Lula has already played a positive role in Bolivia, advising Evo Morales of the importance of respecting democratic boundaries. Lula's emissary, Marco Aurelio Garcia, was recently in La Paz. -- He implied Ecuador would support any initiative led by Brazil. -- He suggested the USG also consult with the Spanish government on this issue. JEWELL