DIPLOMATIC NOTE FROM CHILEAN FOREIGN MINISTRY ON

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 SANTIAGO 000405 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/27/2016 TAGS: OPDC SNAR CI PBIO SUBJECT: DIPLOMATIC NOTE FROM CHILEAN FOREIGN MINISTRY ON INCB CANDIDACY Classified By: Andrew Chritton for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) Embassy received Diplomatic Note 41 from the Ministry of Foreign Relations (Multilateral Policy Directorate) on February 17, 2006, in reference to the Government of Chile's candidacy of Ms. Maria Soledad Weinstein for the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). The GOC note touched on the complexity of the international narcotics problem, the coordination required to address the problem, and the connection with organized crime and economic consequences. The original Diplomatic Note, supporting material, and unofficial translation will be pouched to Ian Sheridan, WHA/BSC Chile Desk Officer. -------------- Embassy Comment on Weinstein -------------- ¶2. (C) Since Ms. Weinstein assumed leadership of Chile's Narcotics Control Council or "CONACE" (roughly equivalent to the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy) in 2000, Post has not had a successful relationship with CONACE. Embassy Santiago's DEA office reports that under Ms. Weinstein, CONACE has neither been cooperative nor responsive on proposed projects and law enforcement efforts needed to address Chile's internal drug problem. CONACE has consistently maintained Chile does not have an internal drug problem, which is based on their own statistic-gathering and analysis. It has maintained this position despite significant seizures of drugs clearly intended for domestic Chilean consumption. Some Chilean law enforcement officials have privately told Embassy officers that Chile's law enforcement agencies also do not have a good working relationship with CONACE, and do not consult with or seek advice from CONACE. Prior to Ms. Weinstein's leadership, DEA and Chilean law enforcement agencies worked closely with CONACE on counter-narcotic efforts in Chile and the region. End Comment. -------------- Diplomatic Note -------------- ¶3. (U) Begin unofficial translation of diplomatic note: Republic of Chile Ministry of Foreign Relations No. 41 The Ministry of Foreign Relations -- Multilateral Policy Directorate -- presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honor to inform the Embassy that the Government of Chile has decided to present the candidacy of Ms. Maria Soledad Weinstein Menchaca to become a member of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). Elections will take place in April/May of the current year during the first session of the ECOSOC, in New York. As an independent control agency, the INCB has a relevant role and has led efforts to watch the national and world enforcement of international narcotics control treaties of the United Nations. Currently, the narcotics problem requires a more complex response. Its transnational nature and connection with organized crime has hindered the work undertaken by international agencies and national entities in charge of confronting narcotics and related crimes. Furthermore, the narcotics problem is considered to be a social problem, which has significant economic consequences that impact the general development of a country. Analysis of the potential socio-economic consequences has been discussed in several INCB Annual Reports. Sociologist Maria Soledad Weinstein, who has been in charge of the International Area of the National Narcotics Control Council (CONACE) during its 2000-2006 administration period, has promoted close and systematic coordination with the INCB and various national governments in order to deliver timely information, and respond to reports, statistics and provisions in regard to narcotics, psychotropic substances, pharmaceutical products and controlled chemical substances. It is important to highlight the INCB's multi-disciplinary vision and its functions in order to face this very complex problem and its multiple dimensions. In this context, Ms. Weinstein's profile is suitable for candidacy to become a member of the INCB for the period March 2, 2007 to March 1, 2012 as she has had the responsibility of working and studying the narcotics problem in all of its facets. Her training as a sociologist, her broad experience in the international field, and her specialization in narcotics prevention and control and similar issues give her all the necessary characteristics to hold a position of great sensitivity, analysis, and capacity for dialogue and interaction. Additionally, Ms. Weinstein has been a delegate for the Government of Chile to the Drafting Committee of Resolutions of the Narcotics Commission of the United Nations in acknowledgment of her capacity to diagnose and predict different scenarios and offer viable proposals for solutions. Based on the above evidence and considering the excellent relationship of friendship and cooperation existing between both countries, the Government of Chile requests the valuable support of the Government of the United States for the mentioned candidacy. For further information, a copy of Ms. Weinstein's curriculum vitae is attached in English and Spanish. The Ministry of Foreign Relations -- Multilateral Policy Directorate -- avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest and most distinguished consideration. Santiago, February, 2006 KELLY