GOP NEGOTIATING AIR CORRIDOR WITH COLOMBIA

UNCLAS PANAMA 001258 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR STATE WHA/CEN - TELLO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR ECON FAA SUBJECT: GOP NEGOTIATING AIR CORRIDOR WITH COLOMBIA ¶1. (SBU) On July 24, 2007, Eustacio Fabrega, Director, Panamanian Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) told EconOff that the AAC is negotiating granting Colombian air traffic controllers control over flights between Colombia and the Colombian island of San Andreas off the coast of Nicaragua. Fabrega said that under the GOP proposal, Colombian aircraft flying at a certain altitude would remain within the control of Colombian air traffic control, and any search and rescue mission relating to any such aircraft would be conducted by Colombian authorities. Fabrega said he does not know when, or if, this proposal would be accepted by the Colombian authorities. He said his goal was to put an end to years of dispute concerning which air traffic controllers had control of these flights. Fabrega said he wanted the USG to be aware of the negotiations and would keep Post apprised. Eaton