Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07LISBON2923
2007-11-15 17:21:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Lisbon
Cable title:
PORTUGAL CONCERNED BUT RESERVES JUDGMENT ON
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C O N F I D E N T I A L LISBON 002923
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
WHA/AND LCUE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/15/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM PO
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL CONCERNED BUT RESERVES JUDGMENT ON
CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS
REF: SECSTATE 154674
Classified By: Dana M. Brown, Pol-Econ Officer, Embassy Lisbon
Reason 1.4 (b) and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L LISBON 002923
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
WHA/AND LCUE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/15/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM PO
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL CONCERNED BUT RESERVES JUDGMENT ON
CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS
REF: SECSTATE 154674
Classified By: Dana M. Brown, Pol-Econ Officer, Embassy Lisbon
Reason 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) Pol-Econ officer met with MFA Venezuela Desk Officer
Leandro Amado to detail U.S. concerns regarding the Chavez
government's proposed constitutional amendments, highlighting
the potential risks to free speech, due process, and civil
liberties. Amado acknowledged reftel points and confirmed
that many EU Member States share our concerns. Nevertheless,
he reported that Portugal was awaiting further information on
which reforms Chavez would present for final consideration
and how those proposals could affect Venezuela's political
and economic situation before responding. Amado stated that
Portugal was being cautious about denouncing proposed
measures because the GOV's actions have been in accordance
with Venezuelan law, and because the Portuguese fear
potential reprisals against Portuguese citizens in Venezuela
(totaling around 500,000).
2. (C) Amado speculated that EU Member States, led by the UK,
could issue a statement of concern in the near future if
Member States reached a consensus. While Amado allowed that
reforms "narrowed Venezuela's democracy," he claimed that the
EU would have to review the causes prompting the
constitutional reforms before taking action. Specifically,
he went so far as to say the EU would factor in the
Venezuelan opposition's boycott of last year's elections as
it relates to Chavez's latest moves.
3. (C) Comment: Amado mostly offered a standard rehash of
Portugal's non-confrontational approach to bilateral
relations with Venezuela motivated primarily by concerns
about the well-being of Portuguese citizens resident in
Venezuela. We were struck, though, by Amado's implication
that the opposition's election boycott was partly responsible
for the latest developments, because it had ceded the
political playing field to Chavez. In the end, Portugal will
not issue its own public rebuke of Chavez, nor criticize the
Venezuelan government privately in a bilateral demarche, but
would likely fall into line if the EU agreed to common
language critical of Chavez's efforts.
Ballard
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
WHA/AND LCUE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/15/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM PO
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL CONCERNED BUT RESERVES JUDGMENT ON
CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS
REF: SECSTATE 154674
Classified By: Dana M. Brown, Pol-Econ Officer, Embassy Lisbon
Reason 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) Pol-Econ officer met with MFA Venezuela Desk Officer
Leandro Amado to detail U.S. concerns regarding the Chavez
government's proposed constitutional amendments, highlighting
the potential risks to free speech, due process, and civil
liberties. Amado acknowledged reftel points and confirmed
that many EU Member States share our concerns. Nevertheless,
he reported that Portugal was awaiting further information on
which reforms Chavez would present for final consideration
and how those proposals could affect Venezuela's political
and economic situation before responding. Amado stated that
Portugal was being cautious about denouncing proposed
measures because the GOV's actions have been in accordance
with Venezuelan law, and because the Portuguese fear
potential reprisals against Portuguese citizens in Venezuela
(totaling around 500,000).
2. (C) Amado speculated that EU Member States, led by the UK,
could issue a statement of concern in the near future if
Member States reached a consensus. While Amado allowed that
reforms "narrowed Venezuela's democracy," he claimed that the
EU would have to review the causes prompting the
constitutional reforms before taking action. Specifically,
he went so far as to say the EU would factor in the
Venezuelan opposition's boycott of last year's elections as
it relates to Chavez's latest moves.
3. (C) Comment: Amado mostly offered a standard rehash of
Portugal's non-confrontational approach to bilateral
relations with Venezuela motivated primarily by concerns
about the well-being of Portuguese citizens resident in
Venezuela. We were struck, though, by Amado's implication
that the opposition's election boycott was partly responsible
for the latest developments, because it had ceded the
political playing field to Chavez. In the end, Portugal will
not issue its own public rebuke of Chavez, nor criticize the
Venezuelan government privately in a bilateral demarche, but
would likely fall into line if the EU agreed to common
language critical of Chavez's efforts.
Ballard