CHILE SAYS NO IMMINENT DECISION ON UNSC VOTE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANTIAGO 000488 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR IO/UNP BHARRIS DEPT FOR WHA/PPC RYONEOKA E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/08/2016 TAGS: UNGA PREL CI IO VE SUBJECT: CHILE SAYS NO IMMINENT DECISION ON UNSC VOTE REF: A. STATE 37298 ¶B. SANTIAGO 447 ¶C. STATE 27055 ¶D. SANTIAGO 429 Classified By: Ambassador Craig A. Kelly, reasons 1.4 (b and d) ¶1. (C) Summary. The Ambassador delivered ref A's talking points on the UNSC non-permanent seat candidacies of Venezuela and Guatemala to current Foreign Minister Walker and incoming Foreign Minister Foxley. Walker and Foxley said they understood the importance of this vote to Washington policymakers. They said Chile planned a wide round of regional consultations before deciding. Both also emphasized the incoming Bachelet-led government had not yet made a decision on how it would vote nor was a decision imminent. End Summary. ¶2. (C) On March 8, the Ambassador delivered talking points (ref A) regarding Venezuela and Guatemala's candidacies for a non-permanent UNSC seat to outgoing Foreign Minister Walker and incoming Foreign Minister Foxley. The Ambassador emphasized the issue was being watched closely in Washington and Chile's vote would be important. He noted there would be little understanding among U.S. policymakers for a Chilean vote in support of Venezuela's candidacy. Venezuela is diametrically opposed to the values and policies that have made Chile a political and economic success. The Ambassador expressed concern President-elect Bachelet would be under pressure to make a quick decision on Chile's vote. ¶3. (C) Walker responded that the final decision would be made by the incoming Bachelet administration, but said he knew no decision had been made yet. He said the new government would be conducting a round of regional consultations before reaching a final decision. (Note: President-elect Bachelet is scheduled to visit Argentina beginning March 21 on her first official overseas trip. End Note) Walker suggested the U.S. keep a close eye on the Caribbean countries as "there were many votes there." He acknowledged Venezuelan support for Insulza's OAS Secretary General candidacy was a factor in Chilean thinking on the vote. The Ambassador reminded him it was Secretary Rice who brokered the final deal in Insulza's favor. Walker said President Lagos was aware of U.S. concerns about Venezuela serving on the UNSC as well as the role Secretary Rice played in securing the OAS for Insulza. ¶4. (C) Incoming FM Foxley assured the Ambassador the Chilean government had not yet made a decision on how it would vote. He also said a decision on Chile's position was not imminent. Chile would be consulting widely with other countries in the region as part of its decision making. As Walker had acknowledged, Foxley said Chile was aware of the importance of this vote and the incoming Chilean government understood Washington's concerns. The Ambassador reiterated to Foxley that U.S. policymakers were paying great attention to the issue and this was a vote that would be remembered for a long time. ¶5. (C) Comment: Foxley was emphatic again (ref D) that the new GOC would not make a rapid decision. His remarks, and those of FM Walker, echo the assurances of MFA political director Portales (ref B) that the GOC is not rushing to a decision. We remain concerned that the GOC is worried about not picking a fight with Chavez, but there is no question that the outgoing and incoming governments understand the high stakes of this vote for U.S.-Chilean relations. KELLY