US embassy cable - 05SANTIAGO442

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 SANTIAGO 000442 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR INL/C/CJ 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: SNAR, KCRM, ASEC, KJUS, ECON, EAID, CI 
SUBJECT: CHILE: ILEA IN LATIN AMERICA 
 
REF: SECSTATE 16077 
 
1. Summary.  Chile has the political and economic stability, 
modern infrastructure and security to serve as host of an 
ILEA of Latin America.  The idea has also been received 
enthusiastically by various government agencies, but the GOC 
has not committed to offering a physical site.  The February 
vacation month with most GOC ministries on skeletal staffing 
has slowed top-level decisions.  Post will press for a 
definitive indication soon.  End Summary. 
 
2.  Political Stability.  Chile is a democratically stable 
country with a cooperative government.  The Transparency 
International Corruption Index ranks Chile just behind the 
U.S..  The Freedom House Survey rates Chile as fully free in 
both political rights and civil liberties.  The World Bank 
Governance survey shows Chile above the 75th percentile in 
every category measured, on par with the U.S. and the United 
Kingdom.  Post does not anticipate any change to the current 
political stability. 
 
3.  Economic Climate.  Chile has enjoyed two decades of 
exceptional economic growth.  It has also resisted the 
periodic financial crises that have affected many other 
regions' economies.  Standard & Poor's and Fitch and Moody's 
designate Chile's credit rating as an A (stable) and A- 
respectively.  Labor disputes are not significant.  The 
recently implemented U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement further 
deepens close economic cooperation.  Post expects continued 
positive economic growth and stability. 
 
4.  Security Situation.  Chile is considered a low-threat 
post.  The uniformed and investigative police are honest and 
generally effective.  Chile successfully handled the security 
for the APEC Leaders' Summit in November 2004, and cooperated 
with the U.S. when requested.  Post is confident that Chile 
could provide a secure environment for the academy while 
remaining responsive to U.S. requests. 
 
5.  Infrastructure.  Chile possesses a modern and 
well-developed infrastructure.  Public utilities are 
reliable, and choice of carrier is available for phone, 
internet and cable.  Ample lodging and dining facilities are 
available in Santiago and other major cities, which were used 
extensively during the APEC Ministerials and Leaders' Summit. 
 Medical care is comparable to that of the US.  Ambulance and 
other emergency services are available. 
 
6.  Physical Site.  Post has discussed the ILEA opportunity, 
and left briefing materials, with the Ministers of Foreign 
Affairs (MFA), the Carabineros (national police), and the 
Investigative Police (PICH).  However, February is the one 
month when most Chileans take vacation.  We have not been 
able as yet to get definitive word from the GOC on whether 
they have sufficient interest in ILEA to offer a physical 
site.  MFA has informed us that, in principle, they would 
support locating ILEA in Chile, but that MFA does not have 
the resources to sponsor the Academy, and therfore either 
Carabineros or PICH must take the lead.  The latter 
organizations have expressed interest in the proposal, but 
have not indicated they would commit, as yet.  With key 
leadership returning to offices after March 1, post wil 
continue to follow up. 
 
7.  Cost Sharing.  If Chile decided to offer facilities, Post 
does not anticipate modest cost sharing would be a problem 
for Chile. 
 
8.  Transportation.  Chile has a reliable transportation 
system used regularly by business and tourist travelers. 
Multiple carriers offer daily flights between the U.S. and 
Chile, as well as good connections to most of Latin America 
and Europe.  Domestic (and international) flights are readily 
available by several carries including LAN, a safe and 
successful Chilean carrier.  An excellent and clean metro 
system facilitates movement within Santiago.  Taxis are 
plentiful, relatively inexpensive and safe.  Two primary 
ports are located within two hours of the capital, accessed 
by excellent highway systems.  Main roads in Chile are paved 
and well-maintained.  Receiving large shipments of equipment 
and supplies would not be problematic for the sea/air/land 
ports.  Post is confident the transportation system is more 
than adequate for servicing a potential ILEA. 
 
9.  Political Will. The MFA's Director of Special Policy, 
Ambassador Winters, has confirmed Chile's interest in hosting 
an ILEA.  The uniformed and investigative police forces have 
also shown strong interest in implementing the project.  Post 
believes the GOC could bring a proactive and flexible 
approach to meeting ILEA's requirements. 
 
10.  U.S. National Interests.  Enhancing Chilean judicial 
expertise and law enforcement, and increasing Chile's 
positive regional and international leadership roles are both 
priorities for Post.  Locating a key law enforcement training 
center in what is arguably the region's cleanest country 
sends the right message. 
 
11.  Post believes Chile is potentially a strong candidate to 
host the ILEA under reftel host country criteria, but will 
need more time to ascertain whether Chile is willing to offer 
a physical site. 
KELLY