2009 SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS DRAFT DECLARATION OF

UNCLAS BRASILIA 001111 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT AORC APER BEXP ECON EFIN ENRG ETRD BR SUBJECT: 2009 SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS DRAFT DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT REF: A. SECSTATE 84362 ¶B. BRASILIA 1036 ¶1. As per reftel, post discussed preparations for the April 2009 Summit of the Americas with Brazilian Ministry of External Affairs Division of American States Deputy Director Antonio Franca. Franca said that Brazil was still reviewing the draft declaration and would have specific comments later but was generally satisfied with the text. Brazil's priorities will be energy security and social development (note: conversations on this subject during Amb. Morales' recent visit (ref b) indicate that the Brazilians may define energy security differently than the USG does, in that an important factor for the GOB is energy access). Franca suggested that there would be a strong possibility for Brazil-U.S. cooperation on energy, particularly biofuels, and stated that it would be important for other hemispheric countries that benefit from greater access to biofuels to speak up in support. According to Franca, Brazil will support the sub-theme of strengthening public security, but he cautioned that the declaration would have to be carefully worded because of Brazil's "legal distinction between security and defense." ¶2. Franca agreed that further coordination between the U.S. and Brazil will be useful. His understanding is that each of the negotiating SIRGs will focus on one of the Summit themes, therefore he suggested an exchange of ideas two to three weeks proceeding each. Post believes that such exchanges would be valuable and requests Washington agencies' input on the appropriate subject by the beginning of September to allow time to prepare for the September 18-19 SIRG. SOBEL