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