Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06NASSAU1302
2006-08-24 21:31:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Nassau
Cable title:
BAHAMAS FOCUSED ON SEPTEMBER NAM MEETING
how-toVZCZCXYZ0028 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHBH #1302 2362131 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 242131Z AUG 06 FM AMEMBASSY NASSAU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3128 INFO RUEHBE/AMEMBASSY BELIZE 1284 RUEHWN/AMEMBASSY BRIDGETOWN 5442 RUEHGE/AMEMBASSY GEORGETOWN 3551 RUEHKG/AMEMBASSY KINGSTON 8389 RUEHPU/AMEMBASSY PORT AU PRINCE 3409 RUEHSP/AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN 4569 RUEHDG/AMEMBASSY SANTO DOMINGO 2684 RUEHUB/USINT HAVANA 0271 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0067
C O N F I D E N T I A L NASSAU 001302
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR WHA/CAR RCBUDDEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/23/2016
TAGS: PREL KUNR BF
SUBJECT: BAHAMAS FOCUSED ON SEPTEMBER NAM MEETING
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Brent Hardt for reasons 1.4(b) a
nd (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L NASSAU 001302
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR WHA/CAR RCBUDDEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/23/2016
TAGS: PREL KUNR BF
SUBJECT: BAHAMAS FOCUSED ON SEPTEMBER NAM MEETING
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Brent Hardt for reasons 1.4(b) a
nd (d).
1. (C) Per Department's request, Poloff spoke with Ministry
of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Marilyn Zonicle regarding
The Bahamas participation in the Non-Aligned Movement's (NAM)
September 14 meeting in Havana. Ms. Zonicle confirmed that
Foreign Minister Mitchell would attend, possibly with the
Prime Minister. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly
recommended the Prime Minister's participation, but he has
not yet confirmed. Zonicle noted, "we believe that the Prime
Minister's participation is necessary because the NAM meeting
is likely to set Bahamian foreign policy on key issues,
including UN reform and response to threats in the Middle
East."
2. (C) COMMENT: The MFA's statement that NAM will shape its
foreign policy is telling, but not surprising. The fact that
MFA is pushing for the PM's attendance, and that the PM is
considering it, also reflects the level of importance The
Bahamas places on its involvement with the NAM. Christie has
usually deferred to Foreign Minister Mitchell on foreign
affairs and has been reluctant to travel to international
meetings. For example, Christie will not attend UNGA and did
not attend in 2005. Christie's attendance at a NAM meeting
in Cuba, while skipping the UN, would also reinforce the
perception raised by the opposition that the Government is
devoting excessive focus on links with Cuba. END COMMENT.
ROOD
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR WHA/CAR RCBUDDEN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/23/2016
TAGS: PREL KUNR BF
SUBJECT: BAHAMAS FOCUSED ON SEPTEMBER NAM MEETING
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Brent Hardt for reasons 1.4(b) a
nd (d).
1. (C) Per Department's request, Poloff spoke with Ministry
of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Marilyn Zonicle regarding
The Bahamas participation in the Non-Aligned Movement's (NAM)
September 14 meeting in Havana. Ms. Zonicle confirmed that
Foreign Minister Mitchell would attend, possibly with the
Prime Minister. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly
recommended the Prime Minister's participation, but he has
not yet confirmed. Zonicle noted, "we believe that the Prime
Minister's participation is necessary because the NAM meeting
is likely to set Bahamian foreign policy on key issues,
including UN reform and response to threats in the Middle
East."
2. (C) COMMENT: The MFA's statement that NAM will shape its
foreign policy is telling, but not surprising. The fact that
MFA is pushing for the PM's attendance, and that the PM is
considering it, also reflects the level of importance The
Bahamas places on its involvement with the NAM. Christie has
usually deferred to Foreign Minister Mitchell on foreign
affairs and has been reluctant to travel to international
meetings. For example, Christie will not attend UNGA and did
not attend in 2005. Christie's attendance at a NAM meeting
in Cuba, while skipping the UN, would also reinforce the
perception raised by the opposition that the Government is
devoting excessive focus on links with Cuba. END COMMENT.
ROOD