Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08MEXICO189
2008-01-24 20:32:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Mexico
Cable title:
MEXICO ON THE PARTNERSHIP FOR DEMOCRATIC
how-toVZCZCXRO0508 RR RUEHCD RUEHGD RUEHHO RUEHMC RUEHNG RUEHNL RUEHRD RUEHRS RUEHTM DE RUEHME #0189 0242032 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 242032Z JAN 08 FM AMEMBASSY MEXICO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0225 INFO RUEHXC/ALL US CONSULATES IN MEXICO COLLECTIVE RUEHWH/WESTERN HEMISPHERIC AFFAIRS DIPL POSTS RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0200 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L MEXICO 000189
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
WHA/PPC -- JENNA BEN-YEHUDA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/08/2027
TAGS: ECON PGOV POL PREL PHUM KDEM WHA MX
SUBJECT: MEXICO ON THE PARTNERSHIP FOR DEMOCRATIC
GOVERNANCE IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE
REF: STATE 156839
Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Charles V. Barclay. Reason
: 1.4 (b),(d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L MEXICO 000189
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
WHA/PPC -- JENNA BEN-YEHUDA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/08/2027
TAGS: ECON PGOV POL PREL PHUM KDEM WHA MX
SUBJECT: MEXICO ON THE PARTNERSHIP FOR DEMOCRATIC
GOVERNANCE IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE
REF: STATE 156839
Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Charles V. Barclay. Reason
: 1.4 (b),(d).
1. (U) Action Request. See para. 4.
2. (C) Minister Jose Antonio Zabalgoitia, the General
Coordinator of Advisors to the Foreign Minister, was
reluctant initially about identifying candidates for PDG
projects. He thought it would be more appropriate for
potential candidates to volunteer themselves and for the
PDG's advisory council to weigh in formally. Deputy PolCouns
remarked that states might prove reluctant to "volunteer" for
a new, untested program without some nudging and to that end
the U.S. was consulting informally with the PDG's founding
members for views. Off the record, Zabalgoitia then
speculated judicial reform in Guatemala or any number of
projects in Haiti might prove worthy of consideration.
Mexico would consider providing technical assistance
depending the country selected and the kind of expertise
called for by the project. In the end, he thought the best
approach might call for matching the kind of assistance some
States might offer with the kinds of needs others might have.
3. (C) Minister Alejandro Negrin, Director General of the
Office of Human Rights and Democracy, repeatedly asked about
the kinds of projects the PDG was best suited for before
offering one of his own for consideration. He maintained
that Iraq had recently approached Mexico for assistance in
conducting elections and that Mexico was considering
responding positively on the understanding funding could come
from the UNDP. Vivanco, however, wanted to know U.S. views
on the merits of Mexico's cooperation with Iraq on such a
project. He remarked that Mexico would like to consider
establishing a center that would provide election training
and assistance to any interested country. He asked for U.S.
views on Mexico's offering such a project to the PDG for
consideration and possible funding. Deputy PolCouns assured
Mexico that, in principle, the U.S. welcomed creative
initiatives from other members and that we would get back to
Mexico with U.S. views on this particular initiative.
4. (C) Action Request: Mexico's FM reps used this meeting
to seek USG views on providing Iraq election assistance as
well as pitching creation of an election capacity building
center as a potential PDG project. Post requests Department
views soonest with a view to being responsive to the GOM's
queries.
Visit Mexico City's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/mexicocity and the North American
Partnership Blog at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap /
GARZA
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
WHA/PPC -- JENNA BEN-YEHUDA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/08/2027
TAGS: ECON PGOV POL PREL PHUM KDEM WHA MX
SUBJECT: MEXICO ON THE PARTNERSHIP FOR DEMOCRATIC
GOVERNANCE IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE
REF: STATE 156839
Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Charles V. Barclay. Reason
: 1.4 (b),(d).
1. (U) Action Request. See para. 4.
2. (C) Minister Jose Antonio Zabalgoitia, the General
Coordinator of Advisors to the Foreign Minister, was
reluctant initially about identifying candidates for PDG
projects. He thought it would be more appropriate for
potential candidates to volunteer themselves and for the
PDG's advisory council to weigh in formally. Deputy PolCouns
remarked that states might prove reluctant to "volunteer" for
a new, untested program without some nudging and to that end
the U.S. was consulting informally with the PDG's founding
members for views. Off the record, Zabalgoitia then
speculated judicial reform in Guatemala or any number of
projects in Haiti might prove worthy of consideration.
Mexico would consider providing technical assistance
depending the country selected and the kind of expertise
called for by the project. In the end, he thought the best
approach might call for matching the kind of assistance some
States might offer with the kinds of needs others might have.
3. (C) Minister Alejandro Negrin, Director General of the
Office of Human Rights and Democracy, repeatedly asked about
the kinds of projects the PDG was best suited for before
offering one of his own for consideration. He maintained
that Iraq had recently approached Mexico for assistance in
conducting elections and that Mexico was considering
responding positively on the understanding funding could come
from the UNDP. Vivanco, however, wanted to know U.S. views
on the merits of Mexico's cooperation with Iraq on such a
project. He remarked that Mexico would like to consider
establishing a center that would provide election training
and assistance to any interested country. He asked for U.S.
views on Mexico's offering such a project to the PDG for
consideration and possible funding. Deputy PolCouns assured
Mexico that, in principle, the U.S. welcomed creative
initiatives from other members and that we would get back to
Mexico with U.S. views on this particular initiative.
4. (C) Action Request: Mexico's FM reps used this meeting
to seek USG views on providing Iraq election assistance as
well as pitching creation of an election capacity building
center as a potential PDG project. Post requests Department
views soonest with a view to being responsive to the GOM's
queries.
Visit Mexico City's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/mexicocity and the North American
Partnership Blog at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap /
GARZA