US embassy cable - 05ASUNCION592

C O N F I D E N T I A L ASUNCION 000592 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/02/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PTER, OVIP, MARR, KCRM, PA 
SUBJECT: PARAGUAYAN VP TO WASHINGTON FOR SECURITY TALKS 
 
REF: A. ASUNCION 00364 
 
     B. ASUNCION 00403 
 
Classified By: DCM Kevin M. Johnson for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
1.  (U)  This is an action request.  Please see para 4. 
 
2.  (C)  May 2 Ambassador suggested to VP Castiglioni that he 
visit Washington soon as the first step in drafting a new 
Paraguayan security strategy.  Following up the broad plan 
announced by NDF after the Cubas kidnapping (ref A) and 
complementing increased cooperation with Colombia (ref B), 
the VP would consult senior U.S. officials, including the 
Secretary, and the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies 
 
SIPDIS 
(CHDS).  Castiglioni,s visit would flesh out GOP priorities, 
building on the general plan already announced - "Paraguay 
Seguro."  This would be followed soon thereafter by a CHDS 
visit to Paraguay to conduct an in-depth seminar with senior 
GOP officials to draft a national security strategy. 
 
3.  (C)  Castiglioni seized on the Ambassador,s suggestion, 
saying it tracked exactly with his desire to see increased 
US-Paraguay cooperation in many areas, including security. 
Now is the time for Paraguay to act, while threats remain 
relatively manageable.  He said his visit should concentrate 
on security issues and also symbolize broader USG-GOP 
collaboration, something not all Paraguayans appreciated.  He 
added that he would love to see VP Cheney to discuss a range 
of issues.  The Ambassador noted how few foreign visitors the 
VP sees, suggesting that Secretary Rice would also be a key 
interlocutor.  Castiglioni readily agreed, adding that he 
would like to see NSC WHA Director, and DOD and FBI 
officials.  The Ambassador added that a stop at SOUTHCOM 
would also be useful.  Castiglioni suggested the first week 
in June for a visit, with the CHDS seminar in Paraguay to 
follow a few weeks later. 
 
4.  (C)  Comment and Action Request:  Unlike many Colorados, 
VP Castiglioni is reflexively pro-U.S. and seeks to expand 
commercial and political ties with us, even at the expense of 
upsetting nationalists, populists, and Brazil.  His lead in 
pushing an Open Skies agreement (septel) and his close 
cooperation with Colombia on security show his skill and 
determination in areas of responsibility granted him by NDF. 
Helping him craft a national security strategy offers the 
opportunity to advance major USG priorities and to strengthen 
those within the GOP friendly to the U.S.  Please advise if 
the early June dates are acceptable and the likely 
availability of the Secretary. 
KEANE