MARCH 11 BACHELET INAUGURATION: UPDATE ON FOREIGN

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000338

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OVIP PREL PGOV CI INAUGURATION
SUBJECT: MARCH 11 BACHELET INAUGURATION: UPDATE ON FOREIGN
DELEGATIONS

REF: SANTIAGO 302 AND PREVIOUS


1. (SBU) Below is Post's latest information on attendance by
foreign delegations for certain countries at President-elect
Michelle Bachelet's March 11 inaguration ceremony, as
provided by resident diplomats:

--Argentina: President Kirchner.

--Bolivia: President Morales.

--Brazil: President Lula Da Silva and Foreign Minister Amorin.

--Canada: Governor General Michaelle Jean.

--China: A minister.

--Colombia: President Uribe and Foreign Minister Barco.

--Ecuador: President Palacio and Foreign Minister Carrion
Mena. Minister of Defense Harrin may also attend.

--France: Minister of Defense Alliot-Marie.

--Germany: The German ambassador told the Ambassador last
week that Chancellor Merkel almost certainly would not
attend. However, the Germany Embassy told us today that
President-elect Bachelet will telephone Merkel on February 20
to ask her to reconsider. If Chancellor Merkel does not
attend, Germany's Minister of Economic Cooperation likely
will head the German delegation.

--Guatemala: President Berger, Foreign Minister Briz and
Minister of Defense (GEN) Bermudez.

--India: Prime Minister Singh will not attend. India's
Minister of State is scheduled to visit Chile at the end of
March. Resident ambassador may head the delegation.

--Mexico: Undecided. President Fox will not attend.
However, it is likely that Foreign Minister Derbez or another
minister will attend.

--New Zealand: Prime Minister Clark is tentatively scheduled
to lead the delegation.

--Paraguay: President Duarte and Foreign Minister Rachid.

--Peru: President Toledo.

--South Korea: Undecided.

--Spain: The Spanish Embassy reported last week that the
Spanish delegation would be comprised of the Crown Prince of
Asturias, one or two members of government, Socialist Party
members, and prominent Spaniards. We are conferring with our
Spanish colleagues here about Chilean press reports that
Prince Felipe de Borbon, President Zapatero and Foreign
Minister Moratinos will attend.

--Russia: Tentatively planning on sending a vice president of
the Duma or a minister.

--United Kingdom: Lord Bach (head of delegation) and resident
ambassador.

--Uruguay: President Tabare, Foreign Minister Gargano, Deputy
FM Herrera and Minister of Defense Berreti.

--Venezuela: President Chavez.
KELLY