URUGUAY'S TAKE ON PNG DECLARATIONS OF U.S.

C O N F I D E N T I A L MONTEVIDEO 000534

SIPDIS

FOR WHA/AND BARBARA ROCHA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/16/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM BL ASEC UY
SUBJECT: URUGUAY'S TAKE ON PNG DECLARATIONS OF U.S.
AMBASSADORS

REF: STATE 99473

Classified By: DCM ROBIN MATTHEWMAN, FOR REASON 1.4 (B)


1. (C) DCM made reftel points to MFA Secretary General
Ambassador Nelson Fernandez September 17. Fernandez
acknowledged the U.S.'s positive regional agenda, and
expressed regret over the persona non grata designations of
our ambassadors to Bolivia and Venezuela. Looking for a
bright side, Fernandez expressed his hope that Ambassador
Goldberg's expulsion would inspire additional GOB efforts to
work toward a compromise, saying the GOB now has no one else
upon whom to place blame for its difficulties. Regarding
Venezuela, Fernandez said only: "One has to take Chavez for
what he is."


2. (C) Assessing the situation in Bolivia, Fernandez listed
three key points for the GOU. The GOU's first priority is to
ensure that the situation does not descend further into
violence. Uruguay will also do all it can to facilitate
dialogue between the GOB and its opposition, Fernandez said.
Finally, Uruguay views Bolivian instability as a South
American problem, and has therefore decided to work with
neighbors to effect a solution. According to Fernandez, that
point explains the willingness of President Vazquez, who is
normally reluctant to attend summits, to fly to Santiago for
the September 15 UNASUR summit.
Baxter