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