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.

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Embassy Comment on Weinstein
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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.

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Diplomatic Note
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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