NEW ZEALAND AND THE COMMUNITY OF DEMOCRACIES; APDP

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000796

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR EAP/ANP; DRL/MLGA LAURA JORDAN
STATE INFO TO COMMUNITIES OF DEMOCRACIES OBSERVERS COLLECTIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM KDEM NZ
SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND AND THE COMMUNITY OF DEMOCRACIES; APDP

REF: A. STATE 151024

B. STATE 129764


1. (SBU) Pol/Econ Counselor met with Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and Trade (MFAT Director of the Americas Division
Carl Worker on October 31 and discussed the Community of
Democracies meeting in Bamako in mid-November as well as GNZ
participation in the Asia Pacific Democracy Partnership
(APDP). Worker related that the GNZ would most likely not be
attending the session in Mali. New Zealand's Ministry and
NZAID staff are limited and there are other pressing trips.
Moreover, New Zealand lacks missions in Africa who might
cover the meetings. The GNZ has also not yet made a final
decision on joining the APDP, and will welcome the readout of
discussions in Mali aimed at providing greater clarification
to the initiative's objectives and proposed areas of
engagement within the region. New Zealand would also
appreciate knowing where other Asian countries --
particularly Indonesia, Japan, and Korea stand on
participation. Worker underscored that New Zealand wants to
be forward leaning on the APDP, but the Americas Division
would appreciate greater detail on the APDP before sending
the proposal forward for Minister Peter's decision.
McCormick