Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BOGOTA2118
2009-07-02 19:05:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Bogota
Cable title:  

ITSO DEMARCHE DELIVERED TO GOVERNMENT OF COLOMBIA

Tags:  AORC ECON ECPS EFIN INTELSAT KTIA PREL TSPA CO 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0000
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBO #2118 1831905
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 021905Z JUL 09
FM AMEMBASSY BOGOTA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9645
INFO RUEHRO/AMEMBASSY ROME PRIORITY 3286
UNCLAS BOGOTA 002118 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC ECON ECPS EFIN INTELSAT KTIA PREL TSPA CO
SUBJECT: ITSO DEMARCHE DELIVERED TO GOVERNMENT OF COLOMBIA

REF: STATE 68520

UNCLAS BOGOTA 002118

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC ECON ECPS EFIN INTELSAT KTIA PREL TSPA CO
SUBJECT: ITSO DEMARCHE DELIVERED TO GOVERNMENT OF COLOMBIA

REF: STATE 68520


1. (SBU) On July 2 EconCouns delivered ITSO talking points as
requested reftel to Colombian Vice Minister of Communications
Daniel Medina. Medina stated that this long-standing problem
needs a "middle ground solution", commenting that if all
sides dig in their heels there will be no positive result.
He emphasized that the GOC would prefer to avoid arbitration,
as it would be unproductive and hamstring the DG's successor.
They find this meeting rushed and unnecessary. That being
said, should a vote be forced on the issue, Colombia would
most likely not oppose the DG's proposal.


2. (SBU) Medina called for "creative thinking" to arrive at a
solution that satisfied the DG's interest in more information
with the U.S./UK's interests in business confidentiality.
The Vice Minister floated two ideas as potential initiatives
that could help forestall an arbitration decision: 1) employ
a consultative committee model comprised of several
stakeholder states; or 2) include additional parties in
direct discussions between the U.S./UK and DG to serve as a
"buffer" and help reach a collaborative solution.


3. (SBU) Medina cautioned that Intelsat reps need to be more
sensitive to the political dynamics of ITSO, and in
particular moderate their language to be more sensitive to
the needs of the most underdeveloped countries. He
emphasized that while he understands the private sector
mentality -- and has no problems with a "business first
approach"-- many of the other members don't view issues
through the same lens. Rhetoric that reflects their
concerns, and modest steps to demonstrate interest in meeting
the needs of the poorest countries, could go a long way
toward calming the atmosphere.


3. (U) The GOC has not yet designated a head of delegation
to the Rome meeting. Medina wishes he could attend, but at
present has a conflict. He indicated that he would give us a
heads up as to who the delegation lead would be when known,
and welcomed our offer for a USG-GOC bilat in Rome prior to
initiation of the Extraordinary Assembly.
Brownfield