WTO WAIVER FOR CBTPA BENEFICIARIES

UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000663 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETRD WTRO OAS TD XL SUBJECT: WTO WAIVER FOR CBTPA BENEFICIARIES REF: STATE 88193 (NOTAL) ¶1. A/DCM delivered points from reftel on June 1 to Razia Ali, MFA Director for International Trade. Ali appreciated the fact that we were approaching other beneficiary countries of the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) and Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA). Ali had raised the same issue with post on May 19, indicating that an approach at the OAS General Assembly might be fruitful. ¶2. In responding to reftel demarche, Ali told us that she already had briefed Foreign Minister Knowlson Gift about Paraguayan obstruction of the WTO waiver for his participation at the OAS General Assembly. She said she recommended to him to seek a meeting with Paraguay during that conclave. Ali was of the view that a group demarche was preferable, adding that a joint approach with beneficiaries of the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) might be effective in conveying to Paraguay its unhelpful position. As a consequence of our discussion, Ali said she would contact the Secretary- General of CARICOM to ensure that this issue was on the agenda for a CARICOM caucus meeting on June 3 on the eve of the OAS meeting. ¶3. COMMENT: Post appreciated assistance of Embassy Asuncion in enabling post to respond swiftly to May 19 MFA concern on the CBERA waiver. Ali was grateful for our prompt and detailed response with background on Paraguayan position. AUSTIN