CHAVEZ ACCEPTS AMBASSADOR'S CREDENTIALS, OFFERS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 CARACAS 002099

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD
DEPT PASS TO AID/OTI RPORTER

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/29/2027
TAGS: PGOV SNAR PREL VE
SUBJECT: CHAVEZ ACCEPTS AMBASSADOR'S CREDENTIALS, OFFERS
COUNTER-NARCOTICS COOPERATION

CARACAS 00002099 001.2 OF 002


Classified By: Political Counselor Robert Richard Downes,
Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) In a surprisingly cordial October 29 meeting, the
Ambassador presented his credentials to Venezuelan President
Hugo Chavez Frias. President Chavez repeatedly stressed
during the 35 minute discussion that the United States and
Venezuela were not enemies and that his door was open "24
hours a day". Commenting favorably on the recent meeting
between A/S Shannon and FM Nicolas Maduro in New York, Chavez
said we should seek ways to increase cooperation, offering
counter-narcotics as an example. While the friendly tone of
the meeting was not surprising -- as Chavez is generally
cordial at events like this one -- his offer to explore
renewing cooperation on fighting drug trafficking was.
Reaching out to the United States on counter-narcotics
cooperation may serve his attempts to refurbish his image
internationally at a moment when European and Caribbean
nations also are increasingly concerned by drugs transiting
Venezuela. We will move quickly to test the sincerity of
Chavez' offer.

PUTTING ON THE CHARM
--------------


2. (SBU) An upbeat President Chavez met with the Ambassador
for just over 35 minutes during the presentation of the
Ambassador's credentials at Miraflores Palace on October 29.
This was two months after the Ambassador arrived at post.
The Ambassador was accompanied by his wife, the DCM, POLCOUNS
and CG. (The DATT was traveling and Chavez' noted his
absence remarking "Where are the military?") Chavez was
accompanied by FM Nicolas Maduro and several other staff. A
video feed of the meeting was televised live on a
government-controlled channel. The Italian, Chilean, and
Vietnamese Ambassadors also presented their credentials
separately the same afternoon. A relaxed and expansive
President Chavez reminisced for some time before getting down
to business. In particular, he spoke positively and at
length of a trip he took to North Carolina hosted by former
Republican Congressman Cass Ballenger.

COUNTER-NARCOTICS
--------------


3. (SBU) Turning to the bilateral relationship, President
Chavez said that he was pleased that A/S Shannon and FM
Maduro met on the margins of the UNGA in New York. He noted
the meeting was a positive step forward and that the United
States and Venezuela were not enemies. Ambassador Duddy said
that Venezuela and the United States would continue to
disagree on many issues, but it was important to increase
dialogue and seek opportunities for cooperation. Chavez said
"Let's put counter narcotics on the table." He acknowledged
that Venezuela was a major trafficking transit point, but
like other countries, was also a victim of drug trafficking.
He recognized the two countries had difficulties in this
area, but suggested that we dust off the proposed bilateral
agreement on DEA cooperation and look for other ways to work
together. Gesturing towards FM Maduro, Chavez promised the
Ambassador regular access to the Foreign Minister. He added
that is own door was open "24 hours a day" for discussions or
calls on this and other issues and said he would welcome
further opportunities to sit down and talk with the
Ambassador.

COMMENT
--------------


4. (C) As the Ambassador departed, FM Maduro whispered to him
that it was a good meeting. Chavez appears to have
concluded, at least for moment, that while we have
differences, there may be benefits to renewing cooperation in
an arena where progress would be in Venezuela's own interest
and pay dividends with the Europeans and others. One reason
he may be publicly entertaining counter-narcotics cooperation
with the United States is because reports of trafficking
through Venezuela are increasingly prominent in the
international media. These reports focus negatively on
Venezuela's efforts to counter drug trafficking. Embassy
will pursue his invitation for dialogue and cooperation and
see if BRV doors remain open after the December referendum on
constitutional reform. The Ambassador will be meeting with
Vice Foreign Minister Jorge Valero on November 2 and will
also seek further engagement with FM Maduro and President
Chavez.

CARACAS 00002099 002.2 OF 002


DUDDY