JAMAICA: DELIVERY OF DEMARCHE RE PRESSURE ON THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINGSTON 000653 SIPDIS WHA/CAR (ANDRE CADIEUX) E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/23/2018 TAGS: COL VE HR EUN PTER AF SNAR PGOV PREL JM XL SUBJECT: JAMAICA: DELIVERY OF DEMARCHE RE PRESSURE ON THE FARC REF: STATE 77205 (172314Z JUL 08) Classified By: Charge Lloyd W. Moss, Reasons 1.5 (B) and (D) 1.(C) Per reftel, Charge delivered points regarding maintenance of pressure on the FARC to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade's Director of Bilateral Relations, Courtenay Rattray, and Colombia Desk Officer Melissa Johnson, in a private meeting on July 22. 2.(C) In response, Rattray observed that Jamaica and the U.S. shared common concerns and a common position with respect to the FARC. He then noted that Washington recently had designated Venezuela as not fully cooperative in counter-narcotics efforts, and asked whether the U.S. was contemplating any additional steps against Venezuela, noting that Jamaica and Venezuela enjoy an important trading relationship. Rattray then referred to a recent visit to Caracas by staff of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and said he understood that key figures in Congress had cautioned against the U.S. taking any action against Venezuela, as this would only serve to "shore up" support for Chavez. Charge replied that the Embassy was unaware of any contemplated U.S. actions against Venezuela. 3.(C) Post will report any further inquiries. MOSS