AVIAN FLU PARTNERSHIP NOT A PRIORITY FOR

UNCLAS SAN SALVADOR 002692

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO KSCA EAGR ECON PREL SOCI ES WHO
SUBJECT: AVIAN FLU PARTNERSHIP NOT A PRIORITY FOR
SALVADORANS

REF: A. STATE 175585


B. SAN SALVADOR 2514

Following up on a September 9 conversation, Ministry of
Foreign Affairs Director for Environmental Issues and
Disasters Miguel Salazar told Econoff on September 28 that
avian influenza is not a priority issue for the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and that within the next week he would
provide contact information for officials at the Ministries
of Agriculture and of Health to continue dialogue on the
issue. Salazar also said that the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs would not support Salvadoran participation in the
international partnership, given resource constraints and
other pressing issues. Econoff re-emphasized the importance
of a coordinated, international effort on the issue and
encouraged Salazar to reconsider, noting that without support
from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministries of
Agriculture and Health would be handicapped in their efforts
to participate in the partnership on behalf of El Salvador.
Salazar promised to consult further within the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs on the issue. Comment: Meanwhile, post will
work with existing contacts at the Ministries of Agriculture
and Health to seek their support and to pressure the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs to engage on this issue. End comment.
Barclay