CHILE: CODEL COLEMAN MEETING WITH FOREIGN

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 SANTIAGO 001799

SIPDIS

CODEL

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/29/2015
TAGS: PGOV PREL ETRD ECON HA CI CODEL
SUBJECT: CHILE: CODEL COLEMAN MEETING WITH FOREIGN
MINISTER IGNACIO WALKER

REF: SANTIAGO 01745

Classified By: Ambassador Craig Kelly, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: SFRC Western Hemisphere Chairman Senator
Coleman, Senator Martinez and Congressman Miller met with
Foreign Minister Ignacio Walker in his office for
approximately thirty minutes on Thursday, August 25 to
discuss a wide range of regional and bilateral issues. The
FM stressed the importance of the shared values, interests
and visions of Chile and the United States and praised the
long-standing cooperative trade and diplomatic relations
between the two countries. The FM said that Chile is pleased
with the US-Chile Free Trade Agreement and congratulated the
CODEL for the ratification of CAFTA. He reaffirmed Chile's
commitment to success in Haiti and emphasized the need for
"constructive engagement" in relations with President Chavez
and his government in Venezuela. Senator Coleman praised
Chile for its economic and political successes and for its
commitment to Haiti. He emphasized the concern of the United
States about the possible threat to democracy in Venezuela.
End Summary.

--------------
HAITI
--------------


2. (C) Senator Coleman opened the meeting by thanking Chile
for all that it has been doing for Hemispheric stability,
particularly in Haiti. Foreign Minister Walker reaffirmed
Chile's intention to remain involved in Haiti until
democratic stabilization is achieved. The FM stated that the
post-Lagos Chilean government (elections are scheduled for
December 2005) would need to obtain legislative authority for
continued troop deployment to Haiti, but that he felt that
such authorization would be granted. The FM stated that he
was "relatively optimistic" about short-term developments in
Haiti. He noted that the security situation has been
improving and the planned elections in December appear likely
to take place as scheduled. Senators Coleman and Martinez
agreed that the United States must continue to work closely
with Chile and others to develop civil society in Haiti so
that democratic institutions can take root there. The FM
thanked the United States for meeting its financial and aid
commitments to Haiti but suggested that additional efforts
should be made to encourage European nations to honor the
commitments they have made, but not yet funded.

--------------
VENEZUELA
--------------


3. (C) The FM recounted his discussions with Secretary Rice
about the Chilean policy of "constructive engagement" with
President Chavez and his belief that the Venezuelan situation
would best be dealt with "from the south" with Chile and
Brazil taking the lead. He stressed the good relations
President Lagos has with Chavez and the high degree of
respect Chavez has for President Lagos' integrity and
intellect. The FM said that President Lula of Brazil also
has strong influence with Chavez that can be used
constructively to minimize tension. He further emphasized,
"Venezuela is not Cuba and Chavez is not Castro". The FM
said that Chavez has restored a degree of legitimacy as a
result of his successful referendum and that he has strong
popular support. He said that business leaders in Venezuela
have told him that the lack of a viable opposition is a large
part of the problem in that country. In the absence of a
real alternative, Chavez will continue to consolidate his
power.


4. (C) Senator Coleman agreed that engagement is key, but
stressed the concern of the United States that Chavez may
misuse democratic processes to keep himself in power in
perpetuity. He further emphasized concerns about the growing
militarization of Venezuelan politics and the possible slow
loss of democracy over time. Senator Coleman praised Chile
as a very successful democracy that offers Venezuela a strong
example of how to proceed. Senator Martinez stressed the
need to continue to push for human rights and freedoms of
expression and press in Venezuela. Foreign Minister Walker
agreed and stated that President Lagos has continuously
stressed these issues in his contacts with President Chavez.

--------------
BOLIVIA
--------------

5. (C) Senator Coleman raised the issue of Chavez's role in
undermining regional stability, particularly in Bolivia. The
FM acknowledged Chavez's connection with Bolivian opposition
leaders such as Evo Morales but noted that many of the
problems in Bolivia were domestic in their origin. He
believes that, to the surprise of many, Bolivia will achieve
a constitutional solution to its problems and that the
elections in December will proceed, demonstrating an enduring
respect for democracy in Bolivia. He is optimistic that
continuing economic improvement will also help increase
stability.

--------------
COLOMBIA
--------------


6. (C) The FM expressed concern that Colombia has not been
given the regional support that it needs. He believes that
Colombian problems have been overshadowed by Venezuelan and
Bolivian concerns and that Colombia has been left alone too
long. He suggested that more focused world attention be
addressed to assisting Colombia as it battles
narcotraffickers and terrorists.

--------------
CUBA
--------------


7. (C) Senator Martinez raised the issue of human rights
violations in Cuba and suggested that President Lagos'
respect in the region gives his opinions on these issues
great weight with other regional leaders. The FM stated that
Chile nearly always supported condemnations of human rights
violations in Cuba and would continue to speak out. He
suggested that time will resolve the Cuban problem with the
eventual demise of Castro, which will be followed by major
changes on the island. Chile has been working with European
leaders to try to develop policies relating to post-Castro
Cuba. He questioned the continued isolation policy of the
United States. Senator Martinez suggested that the United
States be included in the discussions about Cuba after Castro.

--------------
TRADE ISSUES
--------------


8. (SBU) The FM stressed the continued importance of the
US-Chile Free Trade Agreement and the need to remain focused
on work by both parties to ensure its success. He said that
he has been pleased with the advances in trade as a result of
the FTA and hopes for further improvements. He said that
Chile believes CAFTA is extremely important to the economic
and political future of Central America and observed that
support for free trade comes more from the "South" now while
support for protectionism, especially in agriculture, comes
from the "North". The FM said that Chile strongly supports
continued expansion of free trade and hopes to see greater
opening in the areas of agriculture and services. Senator
Coleman noted that, as a left-center coalition government,
Chile's support of free trade has great credibility within
the region. He also praised Chile for its economic, social
and political success that should serve as an example to be
emulated by others in the region.


9. (U) CODEL Coleman did not have the opportunity to clear
on this cable prior to departing Santiago.
KELLY