POST'S VIEWS ON COUNTERNARCOTICS TECHNICAL EXPERT

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000653

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR AR
SUBJECT: POST'S VIEWS ON COUNTERNARCOTICS TECHNICAL EXPERT
BRIEF

REF: STATE 40998


1. Post strongly supports the visit of a group of
Washington-based technical experts to Argentina to brief high
level GOA contacts on the scope and complexity of the U.S.
counter narcotics program in Bolivia; the current challenges
to the program; and possible consequences of increased cocoa
and cocaine production and transshipment through Argentina
should Bolivia diminish counternarcotics cooperation outlined
in reftel. Post has focused much of its limited
counternarcotics resources on strengthening the GOA's ability
to control its northern border with Bolivia and has discussed
the issue at great length with the appropriate GOA
representatives. One example of this effort is the highly
successful Northern Border Task Force (NBTF) funded by DEA in
the Provinces of Salta and Jujuy. Post however, does not
believe sending DEA and NAS officials accredited to the
Embassy in Bolivia to brief members of the GOA is advisable
as we believe it could potentially negatively impact
relations with both Argentina and Bolivia.


2. GOA officials may not be comfortable with or understand
why DEA and NAS personnel accredited to the Government of
Bolivia, as opposed to their counterparts already accredited
to Argentina, would be sent to Argentina to brief them.
Additionally, the participation of Bolivian based officials
may prompt the GOA to inform the GOB of the briefing, which
may result in confusion, distrust or other negative
consequences in both countries. Having the team made up of
Washington-based experts avoids potential confusion on both
counts. Another concern is how the visit will play in the
local press in both countries. The DEA Attache for Bolivia
briefing senior members of the GOA on the narcotics situation
in the region has a much greater potential for negative press
then experts visiting from Washington, especially with an
Argentine press well-known for its love affair with
conspiracy theories.


3. Reftel does not mention the fact that DEA Bolivia Country
Attache Alex Romero is already slated to be in Buenos Aires
the week of April 3 to conduct a two-day office inspection.
Post recognizes the potential cost savings of attempting to
fit the briefings with the GOA into an already existing
schedule, but strongly feels the briefings are important
enough to merit a stand alone visit by Washington-based
experts. Post requests that INL reconsider its decision to
send personnel assigned to Bolivia to conduct the briefings
in favor of assigning Washington-based experts. If a
Washington-based team is not available, Post requests that
the DEA and NAS units in Bolivia prepare and forward talking
points for Post's personnel to share with our own
interlocutors.

GUTIERREZ