CHILE'S PROSECUTORS WANT USG TO HELP COUNTER

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANTIAGO 000089 SIPDIS SIPDIS INL/LP - CASAS WHA/BSC - MOSS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/30/2018 TAGS: PREL SNAR PTER VE CU CI SUBJECT: CHILE'S PROSECUTORS WANT USG TO HELP COUNTER VENEZUELA AND CUBA Classified By: E/POL Counselor Juan Alsace ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 4. ¶2. (C) In a January 29 meeting, Jorge Chocair (please protect),the new Director for International Affairs and Extradition at the Ministerio Publico (Chile's agency for public prosecutors),told E/POLoff that Chile was interested in inviting the United States to join the Asociacion Iberoamericana de Ministerios Publicos (AIAMP - Iberoamerican Association of Public Ministries). This organization (www.aiamp.net) links public prosecutors from all Iberoamerican countries in an effort to combat organized and transnational crime. ¶3. (C) Chile, currently the Secretary General of AIAMP, is interested in USG membership for two reasons, according to Chocair: -- the transnational nature of crimes and the consequent importance of having the USG involved in an organization of prosecutors. -- the need for a counter-balance to countries such as Venezuela and Cuba which are already member States. Chocair expressed concern that Venezuela and Cuba were trying to lead AIAMP "in other directions" that were not helpful for an organization trying to increase effectiveness in combating transnational crime. ¶3. (C) Chocair plans to prepare an official dossier and invitation. Post requests the name, agency and contact information of the appropriate addressee for the invitation. Please contact Jessica Patterson, pattersonjh@state.gov, (work) 56-2-330-3394. SIMONS