ARGENTINA: KEY OBJECTIVES FOR WORLD HEATH ASSEMBLY

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000920 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR IO, G/AIAG, AND ISN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO AORC PREL KFLU WHO SUBJECT: ARGENTINA: KEY OBJECTIVES FOR WORLD HEATH ASSEMBLY DELIVERED REF: SECSTATE 61739 ¶1. Emboff delivered our key objectives as described in reftel to Hugo Fernandez of the Offices of Foreign Affairs in Argentina's Ministry of Health. Fernandez responded by saying that the Government of Argentina agrees that avian influenza will require a "truly global" response and they look forward to continuing the already strong cooperation. ¶2. With respect to the retention of official smallpox virus stocks, Fernandez noted that Argentina's position has not changed. Argentina will continue to support retention of the stocks as long as active research is required. Fernandez said that Argentina "may" support language to require an evaluation to help the body accurately access recent scientific gains and to identify goals and prospects for further research. WAYNE