Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07MANAGUA1541
2007-06-18 22:52:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Managua
Cable title:
NEW ACTING MINISTER OF DEFENSE RECEIVES AMBASSADOR
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHMU #1541 1692252 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 182252Z JUN 07 FM AMEMBASSY MANAGUA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0580 INFO RUEHZA/WHA CENTRAL AMERICAN COLLECTIVE RUMIAAA/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAGUA 001541
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR WHA/CEN AND PM
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR KDEM NU
SUBJECT: NEW ACTING MINISTER OF DEFENSE RECEIVES AMBASSADOR
REF: MANAGUA 1223
Classified By: Ambassador Paul A. Trivelli for reasons 1.4 (b and d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAGUA 001541
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR WHA/CEN AND PM
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR KDEM NU
SUBJECT: NEW ACTING MINISTER OF DEFENSE RECEIVES AMBASSADOR
REF: MANAGUA 1223
Classified By: Ambassador Paul A. Trivelli for reasons 1.4 (b and d)
1. (C) Ambassador met with Ruth Tapia Roa, the new Secretary
General and acting Minister of Defense (reftel),on June 4 to
discuss issues of mutual concern. Although Tapia's office
delayed granting the appointment for several weeks, the
meeting was cordial. She led the meeting on behalf of the
Ministry, clearly having taken charge from Dr. Juan Umana,
the previous "administrator," who was also present. Tapia
did not initiate any point of discussion, but generally
pledged to continue cooperation in a number of areas.
2. (SBU) The following is a summary of topics raised by
Ambassador:
-- White Paper Process: Ambassador mentioned that military
roles in the region have changed, and we hope that the
Ministry and Army continue to support the 2005 Defense and
Security White Paper elaborated by both institutions and
endorsed by the FSLN most recently in September 2006. Tapia
responded that the White Paper is a "good base," but
continued (rather cryptically) that "all things can be
improved."
-- Property: Ambassador commented that, despite an overall
beneficial and cooperative relationship with the Army, the
unresolved property cases remain a point of contention.
-- SOFA: Ambassador thanked the Ministry for help in
approving a series of diplomatic notes for New Horizons, ship
visits, and other activities. He explained that a blanket
SOFA could further streamline cooperation and reduce the
bureaucratic burden on both parties. Tapia replied that she
would support a process to simplify procedures.
-- MANPADS: Ambassador reiterated that achieving the full
destruction of Nicaragua's MANPADS stocks remains a priority
for the USG, although this is not simply a bilateral issue as
the threat of MANPADS to civilians has been recognized by the
OAS, UN, and other organizations.
3. (C) Comment: It is unlikely that Tapia will establish
independence for the Ministry of Defense beyond the will of
the Army or the Presidency. President Ortega declined to
make her a full Minister and clearly intends to retain
personal control over defense and security policy.
BRENNAN
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR WHA/CEN AND PM
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR KDEM NU
SUBJECT: NEW ACTING MINISTER OF DEFENSE RECEIVES AMBASSADOR
REF: MANAGUA 1223
Classified By: Ambassador Paul A. Trivelli for reasons 1.4 (b and d)
1. (C) Ambassador met with Ruth Tapia Roa, the new Secretary
General and acting Minister of Defense (reftel),on June 4 to
discuss issues of mutual concern. Although Tapia's office
delayed granting the appointment for several weeks, the
meeting was cordial. She led the meeting on behalf of the
Ministry, clearly having taken charge from Dr. Juan Umana,
the previous "administrator," who was also present. Tapia
did not initiate any point of discussion, but generally
pledged to continue cooperation in a number of areas.
2. (SBU) The following is a summary of topics raised by
Ambassador:
-- White Paper Process: Ambassador mentioned that military
roles in the region have changed, and we hope that the
Ministry and Army continue to support the 2005 Defense and
Security White Paper elaborated by both institutions and
endorsed by the FSLN most recently in September 2006. Tapia
responded that the White Paper is a "good base," but
continued (rather cryptically) that "all things can be
improved."
-- Property: Ambassador commented that, despite an overall
beneficial and cooperative relationship with the Army, the
unresolved property cases remain a point of contention.
-- SOFA: Ambassador thanked the Ministry for help in
approving a series of diplomatic notes for New Horizons, ship
visits, and other activities. He explained that a blanket
SOFA could further streamline cooperation and reduce the
bureaucratic burden on both parties. Tapia replied that she
would support a process to simplify procedures.
-- MANPADS: Ambassador reiterated that achieving the full
destruction of Nicaragua's MANPADS stocks remains a priority
for the USG, although this is not simply a bilateral issue as
the threat of MANPADS to civilians has been recognized by the
OAS, UN, and other organizations.
3. (C) Comment: It is unlikely that Tapia will establish
independence for the Ministry of Defense beyond the will of
the Army or the Presidency. President Ortega declined to
make her a full Minister and clearly intends to retain
personal control over defense and security policy.
BRENNAN