US embassy cable - 04COLOMBO1128

UNCLAS COLOMBO 001128 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR SA/PAB 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, ETRD, ECON, CE, External Relations 
SUBJECT: SRI LANKAN FOREIGN MINISTER INVITES US TO BECOME 
"DIALOGUE PARTNER" IN INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION FOR 
REGIONAL COOPERATION (IOR-ARC) 
 
Sensitive but Unclassified, please handle accordingly. 
 
This is an action request, please see para 3. 
 
1.  Foreign Minister Kadirgamar has asked Ambassador to 
consider possibility of US becoming a "Dialogue Partner" in 
the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation 
(IOR-ARC).  IOR-ARC members include Australia, Bangladesh, 
India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, 
Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Singapore, South Africa, Sri 
Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, UAE and Yemen.  Current IOR-ARC 
Dialogue Partners include China, France, Egypt, Japan and UK. 
 The next meeting of the organization is in Colombo in 
late-August, which prompted the FM's question. 
 
2.  The IOR-ARC exists to facilitate and promote economic 
cooperation and trade among countries of the Indian Ocean 
Rim.  Dialogue Partner status may be granted to independent 
countries with special interest and a "capacity to 
contribute" to IOR-ARC initiatives. 
 
3.  Post has reviewed IOR-ARC materials provided by the MFA 
and sees no compelling reason for US involvement at this 
time.  We have heard little about this group, other than from 
the FM and do not foresee much opportunity therein to advance 
US objectives.  We are prepared to decline the FM's offer, 
but await Washington's opinion.  Please advise. 
LUNSTEAD