TIMOR-LESTE PLANNING TO ASSOCIATE WITH THE COPENHAGEN

UNCLAS DILI 000038 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL KINR TT SUBJECT: TIMOR-LESTE PLANNING TO ASSOCIATE WITH THE COPENHAGEN ACCORD REF: STATE 11182 ¶1. (SBU) National Director for Bilateral and Multilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Isilio Coelho responded favorably to the reftel demarche points conveyed by the DCM on February 9. According to Coelho, the GOTL is inclined towards associating with the Copenhagen Accord. A final decision, however, is pending further consultations with the responsible line Ministry, namely the Ministry for the Economy and Development. Nevertheless, Coelho anticipated that Timor-Leste would support the agreement, especially given that as a small island nation Timor-Leste is likely to be among the first countries to feel the adverse effects of climate change. Comment -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The positive indications given by the MFA are consistent with our understanding of the GOTL's position on climate change. President Ramos-Horta has made climate change a national priority and is personally engaged in diplomatic efforts to encourage other Asia-Pacific countries to group together and take a leadership role in the global negotiations. To that end, he made an official visit to the Maldives this week (accompanied by the Minister for the Economy and Development) where the agenda is expected to include discussions about climate change. We will follow up with both the Minister and the President in the coming weeks. KLEMM