COSTA RICA: 63RD UNGA HIGH-LEVEL ATTENDANCE AND

UNCLAS SAN JOSE 000610 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CEN, WHA/PPC BERG AND MILLER, IO/UNP SUN, USUN, NSC MCDONALD AND P/ REINEMEYER. E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL OTRA OVIP KSEP UNGA CS SUBJECT: COSTA RICA: 63RD UNGA HIGH-LEVEL ATTENDANCE AND REQUESTS FOR MEETINGS REF: STATE 72078 ¶1. (SBU) In response to reftel, we confirmed with the MFA that the Costa Rican delegation to the UNGA will include President Oscar Arias and FonMin Bruno Stagno. The two dignitaries will be attending a summit in Brazil and then will arrive in New York on Sept. 21 or 22 (still tentative). The rest of the delegation, the MFA tells us, will be finalized about a week before the UNGA. See formatted response, as requested, in paragraph 4 below. ¶2. (SBU) At this time, we see no need for a bilateral with S, given the likely press of other higher-priority WHA business on her schedule. However, Costa Rica should be included in relevant group meetings. For example, if there is a group meeting on the Merida initiative, we would expect the GOCR to be included. ¶3. (SBU) We anticipate that Costa Rica would want to be included on any broader Security Council meetings/briefings with S or other key officials. The GOCR sees itself as a full partner and active member of the Council, and will not want to be overlooked. Additionally, if there are Security Council or other issues of major importance on our end that involve Costa Rica, a meeting between A/S Shannon and Stagno would surely be welcome by the MFA. ¶4. (SBU) GOCR attendees confirmed to date follow. ¶A. Attendance of the Head of State. -- President Oscar Arias Sanchez. -- Arrival to New York September 21 or 22 (tentative); departure TBD. He will be present for the General Debate. -- No spouse. -- Spanish interpretation is requested for very high level meetings. ¶B. Attendance of the Head of Government (same as above). ¶C. Attendance of the Foreign Minister. -- Bruno Stagno Ugarte, Minister of Foreign Affairs. -- Arrival to New York September 21 or 22 (tentative); departure TBD. He will be present for the General Debate. -- Spouse attendance TBD. -- Spanish interpretation is requested for very high level meetings. ¶D. Attendance of other VIPs -- TBD. ¶E. Attendance of the Foreign Ministry official responsible for IO affairs -- TBD. CIANCHETTE