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