VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHMU #1165 2562307
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 122307Z SEP 08
FM AMEMBASSY MANAGUA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3162
INFO RUEHZA/WHA CENTRAL AMERICAN COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS MANAGUA 001165
SIPDIS
HHS FOR OS/OGHA - WILLIAM STEIGER
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ECIN ECON ETRD NU OSCI TBIO TSPL
SUBJECT: NICARAGUA: FOOD SAFETY MOU DELIVERED
REF: SECSTATE 97072
(U) On September 12, 2008, Post delivered to the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs (MINREX) the Health and Human Services (HHS)
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on multilateral and
regional cooperation with regard to the safety of certain
food, animal feed, cosmetics and medical products under
HHS/Food and Drug Administration's jurisdiction. The MOU was
delivered by diplomatic note making reference to the target
signing date of the September 29-October 3 Pan American
Health Organization (PAHO) meeting in Washington. Post will
follow up with MINREX and the Ministries of Environment,
Health, and Trade to ensure appropriate distribution and to
encourage prompt consideration.
(U) We believe that it is unlikely that Nicaragua will be
prepared to sign the MOU at the PAHO meeting at the end of
September. Monday and Tuesday of next week, September 14 and
15, are official holidays, leaving just eight business days
for the government to consider the MOU.
CALLAHAN