BRAZIL: DHS DEPUTY SECRETARY LUTE'S VISIT TO BRAZIL JANUARY

UNCLAS BRASILIA 000048 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EEB/TRA/OTP, WHA/BSC, WHA/EPSC STATE PASS USDHS/TSA RROTTMAN STATE PASS USTR FOR KKALUTIEWICZ STATE PASS USTDA FOR GMANDEL STATE PASS USDOC FOR LFUSSELL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EAIR ASEC BR PTER PREL SUBJECT: BRAZIL: DHS DEPUTY SECRETARY LUTE'S VISIT TO BRAZIL JANUARY 13-14, 2010. ¶1. (SBU) Summary: In response to the failed bombing attempt of Delta flight 253 destined for Detroit on December 25, 2009, DHS Deputy Secretary (DEPSEC) Lute visited Brazil on the last stop of a 10 country trip designed to elicit support from partner nations in adopting a multilateral/global response to tackling the challenges that civil aviation security present. Accompanied by DHS Assistant Secretary David Heyman, TSA Director for International Operations Robert Rottman, DEPSEC Lute's Chief of Staff David Pressman, and Associate General Counsel Brad Kieserman, DEPSEC Lute emphasized in meetings with Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Relations (MRE),Defense (MOD),Justice (MOJ) and the Cabinet of Institutional Security (GSI),that the December 25th incident was global in nature and required a unified and coherent global response. All parties agreed that improving information gathering and sharing techniques among partner countries, utilizing the latest technologies while still relying on the "human touch", and promoting a global response designed to strengthen the weakest link, were necessary to achieve greater civil aviation security. To kick start the achievement of these goals, all sides agreed to participate in an aviation security ministerial meeting to be held in the first half of 2010. End Summary. MRE- KEY STAKEHOLDER -------------- ¶2. (SBU) In concurring with these shared aviation security objectives and with the ministerial aviation security meeting proposal, MRE's Deputy Minister, Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, stated that although Brazil has not been a victim of a direct attack, it would be na????ve to think it was immune, especially given its increased diplomatic presence overseas and its hosting of the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. Patriota was especially appreciative of the USG identifying Brazil as both a leader and partner in this endeavor, and of the multilateral approach communicated by DEPSEC Lute, adding that by taking into account the various cultural differences within the international aviation community through such a forum, the resulting common ground will have a greater impact on improving global aviation security. In reinforcing the global nature of the December 25th incident, DEPSEC Lute pointed to the fact that it involved the purchasing of the airline ticket in one country, the boarding of the flight in a second, a connection in a third with a fourth country as the suspected bomber's final destination; all the while transiting through several nation's airspace and with a multinational passenger list. DEPSEC Lute mentioned that the December 25th incident caught many by surprise and called attention to the need for the international aviation community to be proactive instead of reactive. Patriota agreed with this position stating that the interconnectivity of the civil aviation community requires a global approach and response. Virginia Toniatti, Director for the General Coordination to Combat Transnational Crimes (or Assistant Secretary for the Department of International Security Coordination, which will be the new title once officially approved) at MRE, and a pivotal player in ensuring aviation security cooperation with GOB, acknowledged the beneficial cooperation between GOB and TSA, citing the recent successful completion of airport security cooperation visits between TSA and their Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency Authority (ANAC) counterparts at all 8 of Brazil's airports with direct service to the U.S., but questioned whether there was political support to adopt TSA's January 4, 2010 new security directive mandating enhanced passenger screening, sufficient manpower/planning capacities to implement these measures, and expressed doubts over how much it would cost Brazil in order to comply with a USG mandate. Patriota immediately clarified that Brazil shared the same concerns and objectives as the U.S. on this issue and suggested that DEPSEC Lute consult with ANAC about the status of the Civil Security Policy document that has been transmitted from MOD and awaits President Lula's approval and that is designed to give ANAC the abilities to comply with the mandate through collaboration with Brazil's airport authority INFRAERO and with the airlines. MOD- POSITIVE COLLABORATION -------------- ¶3. (SBU) MOD's Secretary of Civil Aviation, Brigadier Jorge Godinho, welcomed DEPSEC Lute's comments on the need for an international approach/response to the challenges in civil aviation security and greater engagement in information sharing and technology exchanges, adding that civil aviation security is a difficult and complex issue, one that requires a proactive approach through the combined efforts of the international flying community. Godinho, who was filling in for Minister Jobim who had traveled to earthquake stricken Haiti earlier in the day, added that December 25th wasn't just a U.S. problem, but a Brazilian problem and that both sides, and the international flying community, should work diligently to find not only immediate solutions to the threat, but long-term sustainable ones as well. Godinho pointed out that Brazil and U.S. have similar aviation challenges given the size and widespread population distribution the 2 countries have in common that results in a high reliance on air travel by its citizens. He stated that without appropriate civil aviation security measures, domestic and international air travel would be compromised in Brazil, with grave consequences. Solange Vieira, President of Brazil's Civil Aviation Regulatory Agency (ANAC),highlighted ANAC's beneficial and cooperative relationship with both FAA and TSA and pointed to ANAC's success in complying with ICAO based standards during recent FAA and TSA airport inspections. Vieira recognized the fluid nature that is airport security and expressed a willingness to work with TSA on new directives as they are mandated. She stated that she expects the new Civil Security Policy document to be approved by President Lula within the next 15 days and stands ready to work with INFRAERO and the airlines to implement the January 4 TAS security directive. Vieira also mentioned that given the fact that Brazil's aviation network has never been attacked, ANAC does not set aviation security standards; rather it follows and implements aviation security standards set by others. Murilo Barboza, President of INFRAERO, showed great enthusiasm in working closer with TSA to improve information/intelligence sharing and gathering techniques, stating was a key element in effective aviation security, and hoped to improve this through greater cooperation with TSA. Barboza also stressed the importance of using TSA expertise in determining the appropriate types of screening machinery needed given an airport's passenger volumes and threat information, and is ready to "roll up his sleeves, and get to work" with TSA soon. Assistant Secretary Heyman expressed appreciation for the both ANAC and INFRAERO's desire to work closer with TSA and added that an enhanced TSA relationship with Brazil would not only combat threats against its civil aviation infrastructure, but would also help in combating the illegal trafficking of contraband and persons. Rottman amplified this working relationship theme by stating that the approval of a TSA representative office in Brazil, which is still pending MRE approval, would greatly strengthen all of the above shared objectives. Godinho responded positively, stating that the MOD welcomed the presence of a TSA office in Brazil and would support this initiative. (NOTE: Toniatti, who is seen as the primary obstacle in TSA opening an office in Brazil, was present at the meeting but did not speak. In a subsequent conversation with the Charg????, she stated that Godinho's endorsement of a TSA office in Brazil did not constitute permission to move forward with this. END NOTE). In expressing MOD's eagerness to move forward on this cooperation initiative, Godinho suggested that the proposed ministerial aviation security meeting be held in the first half of ¶2010. MOJ- CONSTRUCTIVE INPUT -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Dr. Luiz Paulo Barreto, the Executive Secretary at Brazil's Ministry of Justice, welcomed DEPSEC Lute's global approach in tackling the challenges of improving civil aviation security in a proactive manner, adding that the December 25th incident was a threat against the international aviation system and that the international community should not succumb to these types of threats. In picking up the 3 part approach outlined by DEPSEC Lute, Barreto stressed the importance of improving information sharing and screening technologies that would allow for a more targeted approach to aviation security screening that wouldn't violate certain human rights guaranteed under the Brazilian constitution. Barreto suggested that DHS explore the possibility of establishing an early warning system that could help identify security problems in advance and allow for the implementation of proactive preventative measures. Among other ideas suggested by Barreto were a public relations campaign aimed at educating the flying public on newly implemented security measures, the establishment of a positive registry to be shared by partner nations that rewards passengers who fly regularly, without incident, a categorical approach to solving and improving security related issues that identifies the key elements such as information sharing, technology and minimum security standards, and finally, utilizing ICAO or the UN forums to host global aviation security summits. Barreto stressed that it will be important for Brazil to balance the need show a human, friendly face while also ensuring that they do everything possible to ensure aviation safety when they host the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. Alexandre Aragon, Secretary for National Security, fully agreed with DEPSEC Lute's approach and said that they were ready to work with DHS on immediate and long term solutions in addressing aviation security concerns. Dr. Marcos Aurelio Pereira de Moura, Brazil's General Coordinator for Institutional Defense also agreed with DEPSEC Lute's approach, but cautioned that this approach will only work with the right partner countries and that countries like Brazil and the U.S. should vet carefully potential partners in this initiative so as to avoid wasting time, technology and money on those countries that don't have the will or the way to participate. Moura stressed the importance of sound institutional training as the cornerstone towards the successful implementation of long term strategies in aviation security. Oswaldo Portella, Brazil's Ambassador to the Ministry of Justice, echoed DEPSEC Lute's central themes, while pointing to the reliance on air travel both countries' citizens have given the size of Brazil and the United States. Dr. Romeu Tuma Junior, Brazil's National Secretary of Justice, commented on the Brazilian constitutional constraints that affect a full screening regime, but offered that with improved information gathering and sharing, and the introduction of new technologies, a more targeted approach could be accomplished without encumbering the entire flying public. He pointed to the failures by the U.S. in not reacting to information received on the suspected December 25th bomber as an example of failing to act on key intelligence and offered this as a reason why partner nations must work together to close these security gaps and share lessons learned. Tuma noted that the majority of the general public in Brazil had not recognized terrorism as a national threat as little as 10 years ago, but a new recognition has evolved within Brazil, and with it, increased anti-terrorism training. (Note: drafter counted the use of the word "terrorism" by Tuma 6 times in his remarks. End Note). Tuma recommended that besides the ministerial/global approach to aviation security, Brazil and the U.S. should look to use regional fora in Latin America to push this agenda forward with the idea of streamlining regional aviation security practices in order to address regional aviation security threats. Barreto closed by again offering full support to DEPSEC Lute in this initiative and suggested that the proposed aviation security ministerial meeting be convened as soon as possible. GSI- WILLING PARTNER -------------- ¶5. (SBU) In responding positively to DEPSEC Lute's three part approach in addressing global civil aviation security challenges, General Antonio Sergio Geromel, the Acting Minister at GSI, agreed to an integrated approach to finding solutions and offered GSI's full support in this endeavor. Geromel expressed concerns about the vulnerability of the global aviation security system and stressed the importance of producing effective counter measures to these threats through global and regional fora. Marcio Paulo Buzanelli, Director of the Prevention and Combating Terrorism Coordination Center and advisor to Minister Felix at GSI, said that the December 25th incident impacted Brazil given its multinational footprint and established Yemen as a terrorist center and a country of interest to the international community. Buzannelli encouraged the adoption of international aviation security measures through multinational fora mechanisms, adding that although Brazil has not been specifically targeted by terrorists, it shared the same aviation system with those countries that have been, and that partner countries are only as strong as the weakest link. ¶6. (SBU) Comment: GOB interlocutors demonstrated unanimous and unambiguous support for the overarching goal of recognizing aviation security threats as a global issue and readiness to participate in developing standards and methods to address. These interactions made clear that GOB agencies are willing and eager to engage in specific follow-up, and expressed hope the proposed Aviation Security Ministerial could be held sooner rather than later (NOTE: Due to upcoming elections in Brazil, many Ministers must vacate their positions by the beginning of April. While agency heads such as ANAC and INFRAERO who are not running for election are not required to depart, the Justice Minister, for example, is expected to depart, and some agency heads closely associated with political parties or candidates might also leave office over the next months. END NOTE). Post stands ready to support follow up action and visits as DHS and TSA requires. In the short term, Post suggests that DEPSEC Lute reach out to MRE's Patriota to discuss the issue of the establishment of a TSA office in Brazil to ensure that momentum is carried forward from these positive meetings and translated into beneficial aviation security cooperation between the U.S. and Brazil. END COMMENT ¶7. (U) The message has been cleared by the delegation. KUBISKE KUBISKE