MIREX RECOMMENDS TO ENVIRONMENT MINISTER THAT ANGOLA

UNCLAS LUANDA 000083 SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR DREW NELSON AND RACHEL KASTENBERG E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL SENV ENRG KGHG AO SUBJECT: MIREX RECOMMENDS TO ENVIRONMENT MINISTER THAT ANGOLA ASSOCIATE WITH THE COPENHAGEN AGREEMENT REF: 10 SECSTATE 11182 ¶1. (U) During February 25 call, Ambassador Mozena delivered reftel demarche to MIREX Director for the Americas Balbina da Silva, urging that Angola associate itself with the Copenhagen Accord. Da Silva queried about the other countries that have already associated with the Accord, and was impressed that the listing included major developing countries like Brazil, India, China, Russia and South Africa. Da Silva told the Ambassador that she had already sent a letter to the Minister of the Environment Maria de Fatima Monteiro Jardim recommending that Angola associate with the Copenhagen Accord. Da Silva readily agreed that climate change affects all countries, and commented on the unusual weather patterns in the U.S. and Europe as reflections of the widespread impact of climate change. ¶2. (SBU) COMMENT: Da Silva's initiative in writing the Environment Minister is a meaningful and welcomed development. Post is encouraged that the issue is on the Angolan radar scope, though prospects for timely action from the Environment Ministry are not good as that Ministry is best known for inertia. The Environment Minister's initial public comments on the Accord in the wake of the Copenhagen meeting were not positive. Yet to be seen is whether the supportive action by the Africa Union and the endorsement by MIREX will sway and energize the Minister to action. Post will attempt to engage the Environment Ministry to urge its timely action. MOZENA