OAS CICTE VI DELEGATION PREPARATION (EL SALVADOR)

UNCLAS SAN SALVADOR 000772 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER ES SUBJECT: OAS CICTE VI DELEGATION PREPARATION (EL SALVADOR) REF: A. SECSTATE 31112 ¶B. SECSTATE 40856 ¶1. On March 10, Poloff discussed Reftel A points with Mario Antonio Rivera, Multilateral Affairs Director and Ambassador Jose Roberto Mejia, Global Themes Coordinator of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Rivera indicated that the final composition of the delegation has not been determined, but that it will be led by Vice Minister of Governance Astor Escalante, and that representatives of the Ministries of Governance, Defense, and Foreign Affairs would be selected to accompany him. Rivera noted that he understands that the link between terrorism and illicit activity was a "point of honor" for the Colombians, and that the Salvadoran delegation would work toward finding language that would be acceptable to all the participating delegations. ¶2. On March 17, Poloff discussed Reftel B points with Ministry of Governance Vice Minister Astor Escalante. Escalante indicated that rest of the delegation had still not been finalized, but that El Salvador shared our concerns for preventing terrorism in the region. He specifically added that although most of the western hemisphere has not been affected by terrorism, all countries are subject to possible attacks in the future. Escalante then stated that Venezuela's position had isolated them from the rest of the CICTE members, and that they would work to ensure the adoption of consensus language. In a separate meeting on March 11, the Ambassador also discussed Reftel B with Foreign Minister Francisco Lainez, who assured the Ambassador that El Salvador would support the United States position and the consensus language. Barclay