DEPUTY SECRETARY NEGROPONTE'S JUNE 2 MEETING WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L BOGOTA 002064 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/06/2018 TAGS: PTER PGOV PREL ECON SOCI EC UY CO SUBJECT: DEPUTY SECRETARY NEGROPONTE'S JUNE 2 MEETING WITH THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF URUGUAY Classified By: Ambassador William R. Brownfield Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: Deputy Secretary Negroponte met with Uruguayan FM Gonzalo Fernandez June 2. The Deputy and Fernandez noted a "growing bilateral relationship" between the USG and GOU, due in part to recent bilateral economic and science and technology agreements. Fernandez discussed Uruguayan attempts to mediate the conflict between Ecuador and Colombia -- he thought a solution was "just a matter of time". Fernandez described Paraguayan President elect Fernando Lugo's government as "chaotic", with ministers self-appointing themselves to positions, but said Uruguary would continue to help its neighbor. The GOU plans to reduce petroleum dependence by building nuclear energy plants. End summary. ¶2. (U) U.S. Participants: Deputy Secretary John D. Negroponte Ambassador William R. Brownfield Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Craig A. Kelly Mary Sue Conaway, D Staff Kelly Hapka Carrillo, notetaker Uruguayan Participants: Foreign Minister Gonzalo Fernandez Uruguayan Ambassador to the OAS Maria del Lujan Flores Uruguayan Ambassador to Colombia Silvia Izquierdo Director General of the MFA Jose Luis Cancela Director General of Political Affairs Enrique Fischer Special Assistant to the FM Jose Maria Araneo ¶3. (U) Deputy Secretary Negroponte met with Uruguayan FM Gonzalo Fernandez June 2 on the margins of the OAS General Assembly. The Deputy and Fernandez noted a "growing bilateral relationship" between the USG and GOU, thanks in part to recent economic and science and technology agreements. Fernandez said one could see the fruits of the new agreements. Blueberries from the United States can be bought in Uruguayan grocery stores for the first time, and Uruguayans now export their lemons and oranges to the United States. ¶4. (C) Fernandez discussed Uruguayan attempts to mediate the conflict between Ecuador and Colombia -- he thought a solution was "just a matter of time". He hoped the OAS special working group on the issue would "come to a conclusion quickly", as the longer the working group worked, the more pin-pricking would be done by both governments. They agreed that the OAS is the best forum to resolve the conflict, with Fernandez saying OAS Secretary General Insulza should play a more active role. ¶5. (C) He noted Paraguayan President elect Fernando Lugo's government is extremely "chaotic", with ministers self-appointing themselves to positions. Lugo has requested assistance from Uruguay on economic issues, and Fernandez said Uruguay is trying to help. Uruguay recognizes the importance of an alliance of the two smaller countries, especially within the context of the Mercosur agreement. ¶6. (C) Fernandez said Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez plans an official visit to Cuba for the first time since before Fidel Castro came to power. The Deputy suggested Vazquez meet with representatives of Cuban civic society. Fernandez said he would bring this suggestion to the attention of the president, noting the Cuban government generously provides free medical services (primarily eye surgery) to many Uruguayans. ¶7. (SBU) Fernandez noted the growing burden of the increased cost of food in Uruguay, blaming high petroleum prices. The GOU is exploring nuclear energy as an alternative. Currently, Uruguay receives 70% of its energy from hydroelectric plants. He noted a recent shift in the Uruguayan congress -- for the first time a majority supports nuclear power development. ¶8. (U) Cleared by D staff. BROWNFIELD