63RD UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY: EXPECTED DELEGATION FROM

UNCLAS CARACAS 001079 SENSITIVE SIPDIS HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD DEPT FOR AID/OTI (RPORTER),IO/UNP (SUN) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL OTRA OVIP KSEP UNGA VE SUBJECT: 63RD UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY: EXPECTED DELEGATION FROM VENEZUELA - INTERIM REPORT REF: SECSTAE 072078 ¶1. (SBU) Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) officials reported to us that President Chavez' attendance at the United Nations General Assembley is as yet undetermined. The Venezuelan delegation will likely include Foreign Minister Maduro and Vice Foreign Minister for North America and Multicultural Affairs and UN Ambassador Jorge Valero. Polcouns reminded the MFA officials of the need to apply for visas well in advance of the event. ¶A. Head of State - attendance undetermined -- President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias -- arrival/departure dates: Venezuelan representative is scheduled to speak September 24. Arrival is expected to be September 23 and departure on September 25. General Debate participation: will particpate if attendance is confirmed. -- spouse/guest attendance: unknown. -- interpretation needs: will need interpretation if attendance is confirmed. ¶B. Head of Government - attendance undetermined. -- President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias ¶C. Foreign Minister - will attend -- Minister of Foreign Relations Nicolas MADURO -- arrival/departure dates: Venezuelan representative is scheduled to speak September 24. Arrival is expected to be September 23 and departure on September 25. General Debate participation: will particpate. -- spouse/guest attendance: unknown. -- interpretation needs: will need interpretation. ¶D. Other VIP's -- Name and Title: unknown. -- arrival/departure: unknown; Venezuelan representative is scheduled to speak September 24. Arrival is expected to be September 23 and departure on September 25. General Debate participation: will particpate if attendance is confirmed. -- spouse/guest: unknown. -- interpretation needs: unknown. ¶E. Foreign Ministry official responsible for IO affairs -- Name and Title: Jorge VALERO, MFA Vice Minister for North America and Multicultural Affairs and UN Ambassador. -- arrival/departure: Valero travels to and from New York frequently in his capacity as Venezuela's Ambassador to the UN. -- spouse/guest: unknown. -- interpretation needs: fluent in English. DUDDY