CHILE AGREES TO DEFER RESOLUTION ON DE-ALERTING NUCLEAR

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000928 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PARM MNUC PREL CI SUBJECT: CHILE AGREES TO DEFER RESOLUTION ON DE-ALERTING NUCLEAR FORCES REF: STATE 100268 ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph four. ¶2. (SBU) According to Director of International and Human Security Alfredo Labbe, Chile will not introduce the de-alerting resolution in the UNGA First Committee in 2009. Labbe told Pol/Econ Counselor that Chile will support converting the resolution into a biannual one. Labbe noted that Chile does not "own" the resolution, and he did not offer any information about other co-sponsors. ¶3. (SBU) Pol/Econ Counselor and Poloff delivered reftel demarche to Alfredo Labbe, Director of International and Human Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Labbe noted the Obama administration's increased engagement on non-proliferation issues and acknowledged the need to give the U.S. a "little breathing room." Labbe added that Chile will be very active in the NPT review conference and is trying to create a cross-cutting group of countries from the non-aligned movement and Europe with common interests. ¶4. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: Labbe will be in New York October 12-23 and requested a meeting with Ambassador Burke and the U.S. First Committee delegation. Post requests guidance and a point of contact if such a meeting is possible. SIMONS