FINLAND ACKNOWLEDGES IMPORTANCE OF U.S. ICAO

UNCLAS HELSINKI 000657 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR IO/T: LAURA LUFTIG AND EB/TRA/OTP: MEGAN WALKLET-TIGHE USICAO MONTREAL: LAURA FAUX-GABLE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EAIR AORC ICAO FI SUBJECT: FINLAND ACKNOWLEDGES IMPORTANCE OF U.S. ICAO CANDIDACY REF: STATE 115443 ¶1. (SBU) Econoff delivered reftel demarche on the U.S. candidacy to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to Mr. Matti Tupamaki, Director of Air Transport at the Finnish Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Although Tupamkaki did not explicitly say it, it was clear that, barring a major about face by the EU, Finland would support the U.S. candidacy. Acknowledging they were not seeking to trade votes, Tupamaki then asked for U.S. support of the Nordic Delegation,s candidate from Iceland. ¶2. (SBU) Tupamaki, who will represent Finland as a Delegate in Montreal, acknowledged the crucial importance of the U.S. in international aviation matters; however, he stopped short of voicing unconditional support for the U.S., stating that Finnish policy prohibits revealing support for candidates in advance. However, Tupamaki said in order for ICAO to "function" the U.S. must be involved, and that Finland would give the U.S. candidacy their "most serious consideration." Tupamaki expressed surprise that candidacy questions were not discussed at all during the recent European Civil Aviation Conference meeting. ¶3. (SBU) The Finnish delegation to the ICAO Assembly will be led by Mr. Kim Salonen, Director of CAA. Salonen previously served as a technical specialist in Montreal within the Nordic Delegation to ICAO. Other Finnish participants at the Assembly include: Mr. Lars Lovkvist, Representative of Finland on the Council of ICAO (Alternative Chief Delegate) Mr. Reijo Lamberg, Director, Flight Operations and Licensing at CAA (Delegate) Mr. Matti Tupamaki, Director, Air Transport at CAA (Delegate) Mr. Johan Skjal, Head of Unit, Air Transport Policy (Delegate) HYATT