Cablegate: Goc Plans for Tripartite G-24 Meeting in Bogota

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UNCLAS BOGOTA 006754

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM PGOV CO
SUBJECT: GOC PLANS FOR TRIPARTITE G-24 MEETING IN BOGOTA

1. Vice Foreign Minister Adriana Mejia told us September 13
that the Group of 24's (G-24) Third International Conference
on Colombia (November 29-December 1) in Bogota would provide
an excellent opportunity to highlight the GOC's international
cooperation strategy, showcase progress on human rights, and
underscore the GOC's commitment to maintain a productive
dialogue with member countries and civil society. The GOC
will use the event--which follows previous meetings in London
(2003) and Cartagena (2005)--to build international support
for its policies and to recognize advances in security, and
human and labor rights. Mejia said the tripartite group
should establish concrete goals consistent with Colombia's
National Development Plan to facilitate progress.

2. Mejia said MFA will prepare a draft political declaration
which it will circulate to G-24 members for comment. Key
players in shaping the declaration will be Argentina (current
chair of the G-24), the Nordics, Canada, and the Netherlands.
Mejia stressed the GOC's desire to have senior-level USG
participation, and asked for U.S. help in encouraging other
countries to participate at a high level as well. An
invitation from the MFA to the Secretary has been faxed to
WHA/AND.

3. Mejia told us China and Russia participated in an
observer role at previous G-24 meetings. She has heard
reports that Uruguay is also interested in attending, but the
GOC has not received a formal request.
Brownfield

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