Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LAPAZ3325
2006-12-08 15:10:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy La Paz
Cable title:
UPDATE ON SOFA NEGOTIATIONS
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C O N F I D E N T I A L LA PAZ 003325
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/08/2016
TAGS: KTIA MARR MOPS PGOV PREL BL
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON SOFA NEGOTIATIONS
REF: LA PAZ 3229
Classified By: Ecopol Counselor Andrew Erickson for reasons 1.4 (a),(b
) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L LA PAZ 003325
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/08/2016
TAGS: KTIA MARR MOPS PGOV PREL BL
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON SOFA NEGOTIATIONS
REF: LA PAZ 3229
Classified By: Ecopol Counselor Andrew Erickson for reasons 1.4 (a),(b
) and (d).
1. (C) DCM met with Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca and
Vice Minister Mauricio Dorfler November 27 to seek GOB input
on the draft Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) we provided
various GOB officials in late October. The Foreign Minister
thanked the DCM for U.S. military assistance and appeared
receptive to the idea of a new SOFA. Choquehuanca stated,
however, that the draft's immunity provisions could be
problematic since the GOB is currently evaluating the
immunity of its own officials. He also questioned the entry
of U.S. personnel into Bolivia without passports.
Choquehuanca said if the SOFA's terms are similar to those of
previous diplomatic notes, his work in getting the SOFA
approved would be easier, but noted that the GOB (not the
United States) should establish "the rules of the game." The
Foreign Minister promised to consult with Defense Minister
Walker San Miguel (who was scheduled to attend the meeting
but did not) and Minister of the Presidency Juan de la
Quintana regarding next steps. The DCM urged Choquehuanca to
provide substantive comments on the draft SOFA as soon as
possible; Choquehuanca acknowledged that the current
agreement expires on December 31.
2. (C) DCM also met with Chamber of Deputies President
Edmundo Novillo December 5 to explain the importance of a new
SOFA. Novillo expressed keen interest in U.S. military
humanitarian assistance, but said congress would defer to the
executive branch about whether the GOB will move forward with
an agreement. Novillo promised to encourage President
Morales to make a decision.
3. (C) Comment: Key to our ability to move the ball forward
with the GOB on the SOFA is the prospect of New Horizons.
The GOB remains without a coherent policy on a SOFA, as we
note from this and previous conversations we have had with
senior leadership on this issue. This could redound to our
advantage as we use New Horizons as a carrot to coax the GOB
in our direction. On November 29 (reftel) Vice President
Garcia Linera told WHA PDAS Shapiro that he was willing to go
before the legislature to defend U.S. military exercises in
Bolivia. Without the incentive of New Horizons, this
already-uphill battle will become more difficult. End
comment.
URS
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/08/2016
TAGS: KTIA MARR MOPS PGOV PREL BL
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON SOFA NEGOTIATIONS
REF: LA PAZ 3229
Classified By: Ecopol Counselor Andrew Erickson for reasons 1.4 (a),(b
) and (d).
1. (C) DCM met with Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca and
Vice Minister Mauricio Dorfler November 27 to seek GOB input
on the draft Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) we provided
various GOB officials in late October. The Foreign Minister
thanked the DCM for U.S. military assistance and appeared
receptive to the idea of a new SOFA. Choquehuanca stated,
however, that the draft's immunity provisions could be
problematic since the GOB is currently evaluating the
immunity of its own officials. He also questioned the entry
of U.S. personnel into Bolivia without passports.
Choquehuanca said if the SOFA's terms are similar to those of
previous diplomatic notes, his work in getting the SOFA
approved would be easier, but noted that the GOB (not the
United States) should establish "the rules of the game." The
Foreign Minister promised to consult with Defense Minister
Walker San Miguel (who was scheduled to attend the meeting
but did not) and Minister of the Presidency Juan de la
Quintana regarding next steps. The DCM urged Choquehuanca to
provide substantive comments on the draft SOFA as soon as
possible; Choquehuanca acknowledged that the current
agreement expires on December 31.
2. (C) DCM also met with Chamber of Deputies President
Edmundo Novillo December 5 to explain the importance of a new
SOFA. Novillo expressed keen interest in U.S. military
humanitarian assistance, but said congress would defer to the
executive branch about whether the GOB will move forward with
an agreement. Novillo promised to encourage President
Morales to make a decision.
3. (C) Comment: Key to our ability to move the ball forward
with the GOB on the SOFA is the prospect of New Horizons.
The GOB remains without a coherent policy on a SOFA, as we
note from this and previous conversations we have had with
senior leadership on this issue. This could redound to our
advantage as we use New Horizons as a carrot to coax the GOB
in our direction. On November 29 (reftel) Vice President
Garcia Linera told WHA PDAS Shapiro that he was willing to go
before the legislature to defend U.S. military exercises in
Bolivia. Without the incentive of New Horizons, this
already-uphill battle will become more difficult. End
comment.
URS