GOC PLANS FOR TRIPARTITE G-24 MEETING IN BOGOTA

UNCLAS BOGOTA 006754 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM PGOV CO SUBJECT: GOC PLANS FOR TRIPARTITE G-24 MEETING IN BOGOTA ¶1. Vice Foreign Minister Adriana Mejia told us September 13 that the Group of 24's (G-24) Third International Conference on Colombia (November 29-December 1) in Bogota would provide an excellent opportunity to highlight the GOC's international cooperation strategy, showcase progress on human rights, and underscore the GOC's commitment to maintain a productive dialogue with member countries and civil society. The GOC will use the event--which follows previous meetings in London (2003) and Cartagena (2005)--to build international support for its policies and to recognize advances in security, and human and labor rights. Mejia said the tripartite group should establish concrete goals consistent with Colombia's National Development Plan to facilitate progress. ¶2. Mejia said MFA will prepare a draft political declaration which it will circulate to G-24 members for comment. Key players in shaping the declaration will be Argentina (current chair of the G-24),the Nordics, Canada, and the Netherlands. Mejia stressed the GOC's desire to have senior-level USG participation, and asked for U.S. help in encouraging other countries to participate at a high level as well. An invitation from the MFA to the Secretary has been faxed to WHA/AND. ¶3. Mejia told us China and Russia participated in an observer role at previous G-24 meetings. She has heard reports that Uruguay is also interested in attending, but the GOC has not received a formal request. Brownfield