US embassy cable - 05QUITO491

C O N F I D E N T I A L QUITO 000491 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR WHA/AND, WHA/PPC, INL 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/28/2015 
TAGS: SNAR, MOPS, PREL, EC, EARI 
SUBJECT: CNIES UPDATE:  REQUESTING A ONE-MONTH REPRIEVE 
 
REF: A. QUITO 444 
     B. QUITO 257 
     C. 04 QUITO 3032 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, Reasons 1.4 (b), (d) 
 
1.  (C) Embassy Quito seeks a one-month delay before the USG 
disables the CNIES system -- in whole or in part -- in 
Ecuador. 
 
2.  (C) In recent weeks, we have seen the Ecuadorian Air 
Force (FAE) CNIES-energized, and worry that "flipping the 
switch" now could be counter-productive to negotiations.  On 
February 25 the Embassy received FAE-proposed CNIES changes, 
which mainly tailor the agreement to the Ecuadorian realities 
(GoE prohibitions against intercepting civilian aircraft). 
The Department is currently studying their proposed 
alterations, aiming to get us a response soonest. 
 
3.  (C) With an additional month, we believe the FAE will 
sign off on a U.S.-approved text.  Getting CNIES through the 
always suspicious and rarely helpful MFA is another matter, 
of course, but we at least have a cooperative POC there, 
something we cannot say regarding Article 98.  If CNIES 
appears a no-go with Ecuador's diplomats, even before the end 
of our requested 30-day grace period, we will come back with 
a shut-down recommendation. 
 
4.  (U) The Embassy appreciates Department and Southcom 
consideration of this matter. 
KENNEY