CIVAIR ZAMBIA: SIGNING THE OPEN SKIES AGREEMENT

UNCLAS STATE 049497 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR KTIA ZA SUBJECT: CIVAIR ZAMBIA: SIGNING THE OPEN SKIES AGREEMENT ¶1. This is an action request. Please see para 2. ¶2. Signature of the U.S. ) Zambia Air Transport Agreement has been authorized pursuant to 11 FAM 720. The Ambassador may sign the agreement with an appropriate GRZ counterpart. The Ambassador should draw on the talking points below, in discussions with his counterpart during the signing ceremony. ¶3. BEGIN TALKING POINTS: -- We welcome the fact that the Government of the Republic of Zambia is prepared to sign an air transport agreement with the United States. Liberalizing air links between our countries should make it possible to further develop commercial, cultural, and tourism ties. -- As you know, the model air transport agreement that we sign is the Open Skies accord. We understand that you have reviewed it, and wish to sign it as presented to you. -- As you are also aware, the Open Skies agreement allows airlines to make decisions based on their commercial interests. By signing the agreement, our countries commit to all the elements of this comprehensive international agreement. -- We have already signed over 90 Open Skies agreements with partner economies around the world, including 20 nations on the African continent. We will be honored to count the Government of the Republic of Zambia among our Open Skies partners. -- (If raised) Should any concerns arise, the Open Skies agreement also contains language that encourages our consultation on those issues and provides for arbitration of disputes. ¶4. A scanned copy of the signed agreement should be sent via email to Tim Roche (rochetp2@state.gov) and Dan Hutchens (hutchensd@state.gov),and the original U.S. agreement should be sent via pouch to EEB/TRA/AN, HST Room 3425, Attn: Tim Roche or Dan Hutchens. CLINTON