CODEL ENGEL MEETING WITH MEMBERS OF CHILE'S

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 001005 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ECON OVIP PGOV CI SUBJECT: CODEL ENGEL MEETING WITH MEMBERS OF CHILE'S CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: On November 10, a U.S. Congressional delegation led by Rep. Eliot Engel (D - NY) met with counterparts from Chile's lower house and discussed the bilateral relationship and U.S. policy towards Latin America. Chilean and U.S. representatives noted the shared interests of both countries, including strengthening democratic institutions, promoting free trade agreements (FTAs),and fostering education exchanges. Rep. Engel expressed his interest in raising the profile of Latin America during the next administration and several Chilean "diputados" (representatives) inquired about establishing more regular parliamentary exchanges with their U.S. colleagues. Ambassador Simons explained that the Chile-California partnership is a great opportunity to strengthen ties. END SUMMARY ¶2. (U) The U.S. delegation included: Rep. Eliot Engel, Rep. Lincoln Davis (D - TN),Rep. Virginia Fox (R - NC),Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D - NY),Rep. Brad Miller (D - NC),Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D - NY),Rep. Maxine Waters (D - CA), Ambassador Simons, and EPOLOff. Chilean participants were: Francisco Encina (PS),Renan Fuentealba (CD),Ivan Moreira (UDI),Carlos Jarpa (PSRD),Jorge Tarud (PPD),and Marcelo Forni (UDI). "RE-FOCUS ON OUR BACKYARD" ¶3. (U) Rep. Engel told his Chilean counterparts that he expects President-elect Obama will be engaged with Latin America and thinks the "U.S. needs to re-focus on our backyard." Rep. Engel said he will encourage Obama to attend the Summit of the Americas in April 2009, and added that the U.S. needs to look to its friends and allies for new ideas and solutions to challenging problems. He explained that President-elect Obama's first order of business will likely be the economy, especially if Congress fails to pass an economic stimulus package before Thanksgiving. Engel remarked that he was impressed by Chile's ability to build constructively after elections. He appreciated the cooperation among various political parties and the tradition of maintaining successful policies regardless of which party originally implemented them. He explained that Chile is a great friend and the large visiting delegation (8 members are on the trip) demonstrates how much the U.S. cares about Chile. Rep. Engel expressed interest in more regular exchanges with the Chilean representatives and asked his staff to follow up on the idea. ¶4. (U) Rep. Velazquez noted that President-elect Obama represents a "new opportunity" because he will be more open to listening to others and receiving guidance. She said that Obama will pursue a policy of engagement to deal with Bolivia and Venezuela and added that the U.S. needs to pay more attention to social, cultural, and political issues in the region. DON'T LEAVE US ALONE ¶5. (U) Francisco Encina, president of Chile's lower house (the Chamber of Deputies),welcomed the group by emphasizing the strong bilateral relationship and explaining the importance of exchanges between officials in both countries. He stated the world needs U.S. leadership, especially to confront the global financial crisis and the search for alternative energy. Renan Fuentealba, president of the International Relations committee, stressed the vigorous defense relationship, and he asked the U.S. representatives to consider establishing more regular exchanges with members of Chile's lower house. Carlos Jarpa and Ivan Moreira supported Fuentealba's call for increased exchanges. ¶6. (U) Moreria added that Chile serves as an economic example for other countries because of its many FTAs. He said there is a need to explain to other countries how to negotiate agreements in order to eliminate fears about trade. Moreira told the U.S. delegation "not/not to leave us alone" and asked what U.S. policy might look like under the Obama administration, specifically with regards to Bolivia. ¶7. (U) Chairman Engel has cleared on this message. SIMONS