Cablegate: Tfha01: One Relief Flight Departs Venezuela

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID MOPS PREL PREF KPKO OAS HA VE
SUBJECT: TFHA01: One Relief Flight Departs Venezuela

REF: STATE 4909; STATE 4807; STATE 4854; 10 CARACAS 65

1. (SBU) Summary: A C-130, Venezuela's fifth relief flight,
departed January 21 reportedly carrying 12 tons of supplies and 48
personnel . Local press reported that a Russian IL-76 carrying
Venezuelan relief supplies to Haiti was unable to obtain landing
authorization. In fact, the aircraft departed Venezuela late on
January 21. The Joint Armed Forces staff equivalent has not
replied to requests for a coordination meeting. End Summary.

By Air

2. (SBU) Vice Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean
Francisco Arias Cardenas and Dr. Luis Diaz Curbelo, National
Director of Civil Defense, oversaw the departure on January 21 of
one C-130 flight delivering 12 tons of supplies and 48 personnel to
Haiti from Maiquetia airport. Media reports describe the
passengers as doctors from the 51st Simon Bolivar battalion, fire
fighters from Caracas and rescue experts from the National Civil
Defense Office. Diaz told the media that an additional 150 tons
would arrive by air in the following days, but no additional
information was given.

3. (SBU) Local press reported January 21 that a Russian
IL-76 with aid has been stranded in Venezuela for more than 24
hours awaiting clearance from the U.S. air traffic controllers to
land in Haiti. The plane is carrying medical supplies, food and
drinking water, and is part of a joint Venezuelan-Russian relief
operation. Embassy DATT spoke to the Deputy Director of Civil
Defense and learned that the Russian plan had received a landing
slot for January 21 and departed for Haiti. (Ref d.)

By Sea

4. (SBU) The five ships that departed Venezuela with aid
for Haiti plan to make port in the Dominican Republic where the
GBRV will ask the U.N. to secure passage of the relief supplies
overland into Haiti.

Coordination

5. (SBU) The DATT has not been able to meet with the
Venezuelan Defense Joint Staff.

6. (SBU) The Foreign Ministry's Director for North America
will meet with PolCouns on January 27 to discuss a range of issues
including Haiti.
CAULFIELD

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