CNIES UPDATE: REQUESTING A ONE-MONTH REPRIEVE

C O N F I D E N T I A L QUITO 000491

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/AND, WHA/PPC, INL

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/28/2015
TAGS: SNAR MOPS PREL EC EARI
SUBJECT: CNIES UPDATE: REQUESTING A ONE-MONTH REPRIEVE

REF: A. QUITO 444

B. QUITO 257

C. 04 QUITO 3032

Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, Reasons 1.4 (b),(d)


1. (C) Embassy Quito seeks a one-month delay before the USG
disables the CNIES system -- in whole or in part -- in
Ecuador.


2. (C) In recent weeks, we have seen the Ecuadorian Air
Force (FAE) CNIES-energized, and worry that "flipping the
switch" now could be counter-productive to negotiations. On
February 25 the Embassy received FAE-proposed CNIES changes,
which mainly tailor the agreement to the Ecuadorian realities
(GoE prohibitions against intercepting civilian aircraft).
The Department is currently studying their proposed
alterations, aiming to get us a response soonest.


3. (C) With an additional month, we believe the FAE will
sign off on a U.S.-approved text. Getting CNIES through the
always suspicious and rarely helpful MFA is another matter,
of course, but we at least have a cooperative POC there,
something we cannot say regarding Article 98. If CNIES
appears a no-go with Ecuador's diplomats, even before the end
of our requested 30-day grace period, we will come back with
a shut-down recommendation.


4. (U) The Embassy appreciates Department and Southcom
consideration of this matter.
KENNEY