US embassy cable - 04BOGOTA4318

UNCLAS BOGOTA 004318 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPT PLS PASS USTR; DEPT PLS PASS USAID 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ETRD, SENV, ECON, CO, KLAB, FTA 
SUBJECT: USG PARTICIPATION IN THE FIRST ROUND OF US-ANDEAN 
FTA TALKS 
 
 
Sensitive but Unclassified -- Please protect accordingly 
 
1. (U) To addressees from Ambassador William B. Wood. 
 
2. (SBU) Colombia,s Minister of Commerce and the GOC,s lead 
FTA negotiator have approached post to request that the USG 
send as complete a delegation as possible to the upcoming FTA 
talks in Bogota, May 18-19.  Both officials stressed the 
political significance that a full U.S. delegation to the 
talks would represent for Colombian stakeholders, especially 
those skeptical of U.S. intentions to negotiate in good 
faith. 
 
3. (SBU) While post recognizes that this round is envisioned 
as having a high organizational content, a sizeable USG 
delegation, with strong representation of the agencies 
directly involved, would have important positive political 
repercussions in Colombia.  According to lead Colombian 
negotiator Amb. Hernando Jose Gomez, one of the most popular 
arguments against an FTA is that its terms are imposed by the 
US.  A US del that was missing key players would strengthen 
that view, undermining the support the agreement currently 
enjoys (polls show that 60 percent of Colombians approve of 
the agreement).  Gomez's arguments have been echoed in 
Embassy contact with leading private sector and Congressional 
groups in Colombia.  Both Trade Minister Botero and Vice 
Minister Ortega have also asked that the USG have a 
delegation with representatives of the relevant agencies and 
bureaus for the same reasons. 
 
4. (SBU) With the talks in Bogota, security concerns can be 
minimized.  The talks will be at a large convention center 
and hotel with excellent facilities and robust security. 
Post is able to provide transport for as large a delegation 
as the USG can field.  Post recognizes the fiscal constraints 
faced by some agencies, but we note the tone of the 
negotiations will inevitably be affected by the discussion at 
this round.  As negotiations move forward, and the shape of 
the agreement becomes clearer, those who will face troubles 
will mount a strong offensive against the agreement.  Their 
efforts will undoubtedly be helped by any negative 
impressions of the first round. 
 
5. (SBU) Post urges that all USG agencies (and Department of 
State offices/bureaus) with an interest in the FTA, including 
trade capacity building issues, make an effort to field a 
substantial presence for the May round. 
WOOD