VZCZCXYZ0001
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHWL #0824 3240541
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 200541Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4902
INFO RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA PRIORITY 5035
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS PRIORITY 0012
RUEHME/AMEMBASSY MEXICO PRIORITY 0071
UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000824
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP/ANP AND WHA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM NZ VE
SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND VIEWS ON DEMOCRACY IN VENEZUELA
REF: STATE 157206
1. (SBU) On November 20, Pol/Econ Counselor met with the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Deputy Director
of the Americas Division, Paul Willis, to discuss the issues
regarding Venezuela and upcoming developments related to the
country's constitution. While recognizing that Venezuela
does not have diplomatic representation in New Zealand
(Venezuela's Embassy in Canberra also covers New Zealand),
Pol/Econ Counselor noted USG concerns regarding the future of
democracy in Venezuela. Willis agreed that the situation in
Venezuela bore watching. New Zealand exports milk products
to Venezuela, and their bilateral relationship is primarily
centered on the dairy trade, with Mexico and Cuba being other
major importers of New Zealand milk products. Willis said
that the GNZ's primary focus on Venezuela's foreign policy in
the region is focused on Venezuela's potential influence on
Pacific Island countries, noting that Venezuela had been an
observer during the recent Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
2. (SBU) Willis said that his office would welcome further
opportunities to exchange information on Venezuela with the
Embassy.
McCormick