

Currently released so far... 12404 / 251,287
Browse latest releases
2010/12/01
2010/12/02
2010/12/03
2010/12/04
2010/12/05
2010/12/06
2010/12/07
2010/12/08
2010/12/09
2010/12/10
2010/12/11
2010/12/12
2010/12/13
2010/12/14
2010/12/15
2010/12/16
2010/12/17
2010/12/18
2010/12/19
2010/12/20
2010/12/21
2010/12/22
2010/12/23
2010/12/24
2010/12/25
2010/12/26
2010/12/27
2010/12/28
2010/12/29
2010/12/30
2011/01/01
2011/01/02
2011/01/04
2011/01/05
2011/01/07
2011/01/09
2011/01/10
2011/01/11
2011/01/12
2011/01/13
2011/01/14
2011/01/15
2011/01/16
2011/01/17
2011/01/18
2011/01/19
2011/01/20
2011/01/21
2011/01/22
2011/01/23
2011/01/24
2011/01/25
2011/01/26
2011/01/27
2011/01/28
2011/01/29
2011/01/30
2011/01/31
2011/02/01
2011/02/02
2011/02/03
2011/02/04
2011/02/05
2011/02/06
2011/02/07
2011/02/08
2011/02/09
2011/02/10
2011/02/11
2011/02/12
2011/02/13
2011/02/14
2011/02/15
2011/02/16
2011/02/17
2011/02/18
2011/02/19
2011/02/20
2011/02/21
2011/02/22
2011/02/23
2011/02/24
2011/02/25
2011/02/26
2011/02/27
2011/02/28
2011/03/01
2011/03/02
2011/03/03
2011/03/04
2011/03/05
2011/03/06
2011/03/07
2011/03/08
2011/03/09
2011/03/10
2011/03/11
2011/03/13
2011/03/14
2011/03/15
2011/03/16
2011/03/17
2011/03/18
2011/03/19
2011/03/20
2011/03/21
2011/03/22
2011/03/23
2011/03/24
2011/03/25
2011/03/26
2011/03/27
2011/03/28
2011/03/29
2011/03/30
2011/03/31
2011/04/01
2011/04/02
2011/04/03
2011/04/04
2011/04/05
2011/04/06
2011/04/07
2011/04/08
2011/04/09
2011/04/10
2011/04/11
2011/04/12
2011/04/13
2011/04/14
2011/04/15
2011/04/16
2011/04/17
2011/04/18
2011/04/19
2011/04/20
2011/04/21
2011/04/22
2011/04/23
2011/04/24
2011/04/25
2011/04/26
2011/04/27
2011/04/28
2011/04/29
2011/04/30
Browse by creation date
Browse by origin
Embassy Athens
Embassy Asuncion
Embassy Astana
Embassy Asmara
Embassy Ashgabat
Embassy Apia
Embassy Ankara
Embassy Amman
Embassy Algiers
Embassy Addis Ababa
Embassy Accra
Embassy Abuja
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassy Abidjan
Consulate Auckland
Consulate Amsterdam
Consulate Adana
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embassy Bujumbura
Embassy Buenos Aires
Embassy Budapest
Embassy Bucharest
Embassy Brussels
Embassy Bridgetown
Embassy Bratislava
Embassy Brasilia
Embassy Bogota
Embassy Bishkek
Embassy Bern
Embassy Berlin
Embassy Belmopan
Embassy Belgrade
Embassy Beirut
Embassy Beijing
Embassy Banjul
Embassy Bangkok
Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Embassy Bamako
Embassy Baku
Embassy Baghdad
Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Copenhagen
Embassy Conakry
Embassy Colombo
Embassy Chisinau
Embassy Caracas
Embassy Canberra
Embassy Cairo
Consulate Curacao
Consulate Ciudad Juarez
Consulate Chennai
Consulate Casablanca
Consulate Cape Town
Consulate Calgary
Embassy Dushanbe
Embassy Dublin
Embassy Doha
Embassy Djibouti
Embassy Dili
Embassy Dhaka
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Embassy Damascus
Embassy Dakar
Consulate Dubai
Embassy Helsinki
Embassy Harare
Embassy Hanoi
Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
Consulate Hermosillo
Consulate Hamilton
Consulate Hamburg
Consulate Halifax
Embassy Kyiv
Embassy Kuwait
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Embassy Kinshasa
Embassy Kingston
Embassy Kigali
Embassy Khartoum
Embassy Kathmandu
Embassy Kampala
Embassy Kabul
Consulate Kolkata
Embassy Luxembourg
Embassy Luanda
Embassy London
Embassy Ljubljana
Embassy Lisbon
Embassy Lima
Embassy Lilongwe
Embassy La Paz
Consulate Lahore
Consulate Lagos
Mission USOSCE
Mission USNATO
Mission UNESCO
Embassy Muscat
Embassy Moscow
Embassy Montevideo
Embassy Monrovia
Embassy Minsk
Embassy Mexico
Embassy Mbabane
Embassy Maputo
Embassy Manila
Embassy Manama
Embassy Managua
Embassy Malabo
Embassy Madrid
Consulate Munich
Consulate Mumbai
Consulate Montreal
Consulate Monterrey
Consulate Milan
Consulate Melbourne
Embassy Nicosia
Embassy New Delhi
Embassy Ndjamena
Embassy Nassau
Embassy Nairobi
Consulate Naples
Consulate Naha
Embassy Pristina
Embassy Pretoria
Embassy Prague
Embassy Port Of Spain
Embassy Port Louis
Embassy Port Au Prince
Embassy Phnom Penh
Embassy Paris
Embassy Paramaribo
Embassy Panama
Consulate Peshawar
REO Basrah
Embassy Rome
Embassy Riyadh
Embassy Riga
Embassy Reykjavik
Embassy Rangoon
Embassy Rabat
Consulate Rio De Janeiro
Consulate Recife
Secretary of State
Embassy Suva
Embassy Stockholm
Embassy Sofia
Embassy Skopje
Embassy Singapore
Embassy Seoul
Embassy Sarajevo
Embassy Santo Domingo
Embassy Santiago
Embassy Sanaa
Embassy San Salvador
Embassy San Jose
Consulate Strasbourg
Consulate St Petersburg
Consulate Shenyang
Consulate Shanghai
Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis
Embassy Tripoli
Embassy Tokyo
Embassy The Hague
Embassy Tel Aviv
Embassy Tehran
Embassy Tegucigalpa
Embassy Tbilisi
Embassy Tashkent
Embassy Tallinn
Consulate Toronto
Consulate Tijuana
USUN New York
USEU Brussels
US Office Almaty
US Mission Geneva
US Interests Section Havana
US Delegation, Secretary
UNVIE
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Embassy Vilnius
Embassy Vienna
Embassy Vatican
Embassy Valletta
Consulate Vladivostok
Consulate Vancouver
Browse by tag
ASEC
AE
AF
AM
AR
AJ
AU
AORC
AG
AEMR
AMGT
APER
AGMT
AL
AFIN
AO
AMED
ADCO
AS
ABUD
ABLD
ASUP
ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG
APECO
AID
AND
AMBASSADOR
AN
ARM
AY
AODE
AMG
ASCH
AMCHAMS
ARF
APCS
APEC
ASEAN
AGAO
ANET
ADPM
ACOA
ACABQ
AORL
AFFAIRS
ATRN
ACS
AFSI
AFSN
ADANA
ASIG
AA
AX
AUC
AC
AECL
AADP
AGRICULTURE
AMEX
ACAO
ACBAQ
AQ
AORG
ADM
AINF
AIT
ASEX
AGR
AROC
ATFN
AFGHANISTAN
AFU
AER
ALOW
AZ
AVERY
BA
BY
BU
BR
BE
BL
BO
BK
BM
BILAT
BH
BEXP
BF
BTIO
BC
BBSR
BMGT
BTIU
BG
BWC
BB
BD
BX
BP
BRUSSELS
BN
BIDEN
BT
CW
CH
CF
CD
CV
CVIS
CM
CE
CA
CJAN
CLINTON
CIA
CU
CASC
CI
CO
CACM
CDB
CN
CMGT
CS
CG
CBW
CIS
CR
CONDOLEEZZA
CPAS
CAN
CWC
CY
COUNTER
CDG
CL
CT
CIC
CIDA
CSW
CHR
CB
CODEL
COUNTERTERRORISM
CTR
COM
CICTE
CFED
CJUS
CKGR
CBSA
CEUDA
CARSON
CONS
CITEL
CLMT
CROS
CITT
CAC
CVR
CDC
CAPC
COPUOS
CBC
CBE
CARICOM
COE
COUNTRY
CLEARANCE
CACS
CTM
CNARC
ECON
EFIN
ETRD
EUN
EFIS
EG
ETTC
EZ
EPET
EAID
EAGR
ENRG
ECUN
EU
ELAB
ECPS
EAIR
EINV
ELTN
EWWT
EIND
EMIN
EI
ECIN
ENVR
ELECTIONS
EINVEFIN
EN
ES
ER
EC
EUC
EINT
EINVETC
ENGR
ET
EK
ENIV
ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS
ECONOMY
EAP
EFTA
EUR
EUMEM
EXIM
ERD
ENERG
EUREM
ESA
ERNG
EXTERNAL
EPA
EINVECONSENVCSJA
ECONOMICS
ELN
EINN
EFINECONCS
ENNP
EEPET
ETRDEINVTINTCS
ENVI
ETRO
ESENV
ECINECONCS
ECONOMIC
EAIDS
EDU
ETRA
ETRN
EFIM
EIAR
ETRC
EAIG
EXBS
EURN
ECIP
EREL
ECA
ENGY
ECONCS
ECONEFIN
ETC
ETRDECONWTOCS
EUNCH
EINDETRD
IR
IZ
IS
IAEA
INRB
IRAJ
IQ
IN
IT
IMO
INTERPOL
ICAO
IO
IC
ITALY
ITALIAN
IRAQI
ICTY
ID
IPR
IWC
ILC
INTELSAT
IL
IBRD
IMF
IA
IRC
ICRC
ILO
ITU
ITRA
IV
IDA
IAHRC
ICJ
ISRAELI
IRS
INMARSAT
ISRAEL
ISLAMISTS
INDO
IZPREL
ITPHUM
ITPGOV
ITF
IBET
IEFIN
INR
IACI
INTERNAL
IDP
IGAD
IEA
ICTR
IIP
INRA
INRO
IF
KJUS
KSCA
KNNP
KU
KCOR
KCRM
KDEM
KTFN
KHLS
KPAL
KWBG
KACT
KGHG
KPAO
KTIA
KIRF
KWMN
KS
KG
KZ
KN
KMDR
KISL
KSPR
KHIV
KPRP
KAWK
KR
KUNR
KDRG
KCIP
KGCC
KTIP
KSUM
KPKO
KVIR
KAWC
KPIN
KGIC
KRAD
KIPR
KOLY
KCFE
KMCA
KE
KV
KICC
KNPP
KBCT
KSEP
KFRD
KFLU
KVPR
KOCI
KBIO
KSTH
KMPI
KCRS
KOMC
KTBT
KPLS
KIRC
KREL
KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KFLO
KBTS
KSTC
KTDB
KFSC
KX
KFTFN
KNEI
KIDE
KREC
KMRS
KICA
KPAONZ
KCGC
KSAF
KRGY
KCMR
KRVC
KVRP
KSEO
KCOM
KAID
KTEX
KNUC
KNAR
KNUP
KNNPMNUC
KLIG
KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KCRCM
KHDP
KGIT
KNSD
KOMS
KWMM
KPAI
KHSA
KTLA
KO
KMFO
KRCM
KCSY
KSAC
KTRD
KPWR
KID
KWNM
KRIM
KPOA
KCHG
KOM
KSCI
KFIN
KMOC
KESS
KWAC
KMIG
KSEC
KIFR
KDEMAF
KPRV
KBTR
KERG
KTER
KDDG
KPAK
KRFD
KHUM
KDEV
KCFC
KWWMN
KWMNCS
KJUST
MARR
MOPS
MU
MTCRE
MNUC
MY
MASS
MCAP
MOPPS
MAR
MPOS
MO
ML
MR
MASC
MX
MD
MP
MA
MTRE
MIL
MCC
MZ
MK
MDC
MRCRE
MAPS
MV
MI
MEPN
MAPP
MEETINGS
MAS
MTS
MLS
MILI
MTCR
MG
MC
MARAD
MIK
MILITARY
MEDIA
MEPI
MUCN
MEPP
MT
MERCOSUR
MW
MASSMNUC
MQADHAFI
NZ
NATO
NG
NI
NO
NATIONAL
NU
NPT
NIPP
NL
NPG
NS
NA
NGO
NP
NSG
NDP
NAFTA
NR
NC
NH
NE
NSF
NPA
NK
NSSP
NRR
NATOPREL
NSC
NT
NW
NORAD
NEW
NV
NSFO
NAR
NASA
NZUS
OTRA
OVIP
OPRC
OPDC
OSCE
OAS
ODIP
OIIP
OFDP
OVP
OREP
OFFICIALS
OSAC
OEXC
OPCW
OIE
OIC
OFDA
OSCI
OPIC
OBSP
OECD
ON
OCII
OHUM
OES
OCS
OMIG
OPAD
OTR
PGOV
PREL
PHUM
PINR
PTER
PSOE
PINS
PARM
PK
PBTS
PEPR
PM
POLITICAL
PARTIES
PREF
PBIO
PROP
PA
PSI
PINT
PO
PKFK
PL
PAK
PE
POLITICS
PINL
POL
PHSA
PU
PF
POV
PFOR
PHALANAGE
PARTY
PARMS
PRGOV
PNAT
POLINT
PRAM
PMAR
PG
PAO
PROG
PRELP
PPA
PCUL
PSEPC
PSA
PREO
PAHO
PGIV
PREFA
PALESTINIAN
PAIGH
POSTS
PTBS
PGOVLO
PORG
PGOVE
PLN
PINF
PAS
PUNE
POLICY
PDEM
PDOV
PCI
PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA
PBT
PHUMPGOV
PMIL
PNG
PP
PS
PHUH
PECON
POGOV
PY
PHUMPREL
PHUS
PRL
PGOC
PNR
PGGV
PROV
PTERE
PGOF
PHUMBA
PEL
RS
RU
RW
REGION
RP
RICE
ROBERT
RSP
RUPREL
RM
RO
RCMP
RSO
RELATIONS
REACTION
REPORT
RIGHTS
ROOD
RF
RFE
RIGHTSPOLMIL
SP
SA
SY
SF
SYR
SENV
SCUL
SOCI
SNAR
SO
SU
SG
STEINBERG
SHUM
SW
SMIG
SR
SZ
SIPRS
SI
SAARC
SPCE
SARS
SN
SYRIA
SANC
SL
SCRS
SC
SENVKGHG
SAN
SNARCS
SHI
SWE
SNARIZ
SIPDIS
SEN
SNARN
SPCVIS
SEVN
SSA
SH
SOFA
SK
ST
TPHY
TU
TRGY
TI
TX
TS
TW
TC
TFIN
TD
TSPA
TH
TT
TIP
TBIO
TSPL
TZ
TERRORISM
TRSY
TN
THPY
TINT
TF
TL
TV
TK
TO
TP
TURKEY
TNGD
TBID
TAGS
TR
UP
US
UNSC
UK
UZ
UE
UNESCO
UV
UNGA
UN
UNMIK
UNO
UY
UAE
UNEP
UG
UNHCR
UNHRC
USUN
UNAUS
USTR
USNC
USOAS
UNCHR
UNCSD
UNDP
USEU
USPS
UNDC
UNDESCO
UNCHC
UNFICYP
UNC
UNODC
UNPUOS
UNCND
UNICEF
UNCHS
UNVIE
USAID
UNIDROIT
Browse by classification
Community resources
courage is contagious
Viewing cable 06BRASILIA117, CODEL MCCONNELL MEETS BRAZILIAN POLICYMAKERS
If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
- The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
- The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
- The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #06BRASILIA117.
Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|---|
06BRASILIA117 | 2006-01-19 12:12 | 2011-01-14 00:12 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Embassy Brasilia |
VZCZCXRO5814
RR RUEHRG
DE RUEHBR #0117/01 0191205
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 191205Z JAN 06
FM AMEMBASSY BRASILIA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4219
INFO RUEHAC/AMEMBASSY ASUNCION 5156
RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES 3716
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 3091
RUEHLP/AMEMBASSY LA PAZ 4320
RUEHPE/AMEMBASSY LIMA 2807
RUEHMN/AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO 5984
RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO 5269
RUEHRG/AMCONSUL RECIFE 4190
RUEHRI/AMCONSUL RIO DE JANEIRO 1351
RUEHSO/AMCONSUL SAO PAULO 6129
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 BRASILIA 000117
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR H, WHA/BSC
DEPT PLEASE PASS TO USTR FOR KLEZNY/MSULLIVAN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL ECON ETRD BR
SUBJECT: CODEL MCCONNELL MEETS BRAZILIAN POLICYMAKERS
¶1. (SBU) Introduction. During a January 9 stop in Brasilia, a congressional delegation led by Senator Mitch McConnell met with Brazilian government leaders. The meetings were positive and covered a range of issues, including trade, the MINUSTAH peacekeeping mission to Haiti, Venezuela's entry into Mercosul, the outlook for a Morales presidency in Bolivia, and general Brazilian security issues. Separate summaries of the meetings follow. End Introduction.
¶2. (SBU) During a January 9 visit to Brasilia, a CODEL led by Senator Mitch McConnell (KY), Majority Whip and Chairman of the State, Foreign Operations and Related Agencies Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, met with the Acting Minister of Development, Industry and Trade Mario Mugnaini, Minister for Institutional Security General Felix, and Foreign Minister Celso Amorim. In addition to Senator McConnell, the CODEL included: - Senator Mel Martinez (FL); - Senator Richard Burr (NC); and - Senator John Thune (SD).
MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT, INDUSTRY AND TRADE
¶3. (SBU) The McConnell CODEL met with Acting Minister of Development, Industry and Commerce (MDIC) Mario Mugnaini Jr. and Special Assistant Aloisio Gomes Neto to discuss how Brazil and the US might further their trade relationship. Mugnaini was mostly in talking mode, wanting to explain the current Brazil/US trade relationship and where he would like to see it going. The GOB is currently unsatisfied with last year's 12 percent increase in trade with the US (which is well below Brazil's average increase with trading partners in Latin America). Both sides agreed that the US is still Brazil's single most important trading partner.
Looking to Increase Exports and Imports ---------------------------------------
¶4. (SBU) While currently exports make up 16 percent of Brazilian GDP and exports and imports combined make up 25 Percent, MDIC would like for exports alone to make up 25 percent of the Brazilian GDP. Mugnaini said Brazil is looking for a 5 percent increase in imports to, and exports from, the US. When pressed, Mugnaini said the sectors the Ministry sees the most room for growth are services (with a caveat that more negotiations in the WTO are needed), capital goods, electronics, mechanical equipment, and chemicals for medicine manufacture and fertilizer production. High quality fertilizer from the US would help Brazil increase agricultural production and therefore exports, he said.
Agriculture, An Age Old Problem -------------------------------
¶5. (SBU) Brazil and US agricultural aims are often in conflict and therefore complicate the import/export picture, according to Mugnaini. When Senator Thune pointed out that Brazil's agricultural exports to the US outweigh US agricultural exports to Brazil by 10 to 1, Mugnaini complained of a high effective tariff Brazil pays to export sugar to the US (presumably referring to the over quota tariff rate). Mugnaini also mentioned US cotton subsidies and a lack of satisfactory movement by the USG to comply with the WTO panel ruling. Senator Thune said the issue is in the process of being resolved. Senator Martinez suggested that joint marketing of orange juice to Asia is one area that would benefit both Brazil and US producers.
US FTAs Everywhere; How about With Mercosul? --------------------------------------------
¶6. (SBU) Mugnaini pointedly asked why the US has recently completed so many free trade agreements with other countries in the hemisphere while no movement has been seen on the FTAA or a bilateral agreement with Mercosul. Brazil is willing, he said, to move forward on bilateral agreements, but will not abandon the FTAA. Senator McConnell said that in spite
BRASILIA 00000117 002 OF 004
of its co-chairmanship of the FTAA, Brazil has not demonstrated the same level of commitment to a trade agreement that countries like Peru, etc. have shown. Senator Martinez added that the recent inclusion of Venezuela (with its open animosity towards the FTAA) into Mercosul further complicates the equation. Mugnaini admitted that negotiating a bilateral trade agreement would be difficult given Brazil's Mercosul obligations. He opined that Venezuela will not be easily integrated into Mercosul and he does not see full inclusion for well over a year.
¶7. (SBU) The senators repeated their overall point: if Brazil would like to continue FTAA negotiations, set a date for talks, take a leadership role. The senators questioned the political will of the current Brazilian administration to continue with free trade negotiations -- bilateral or multilateral -- given upcoming elections. Mugnaini expressed similar concerns in light of the upcoming end of Trade Promotion Authority and said that Brazil's leadership in Latin America warrants a deepened relationship between our two countries, especially in the area of trade. He suggested that perhaps a deepening of private/public fora on free trade in both countries would be a way to continue the discussions. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 8. (U) In his meeting with the CODEL, Foreign Minister Amorim was joined by Under Secretary for Political Affairs Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, as well as Paulo Alvarenga from Itamaraty's US Desk.
Brazil as Global Power ----------------------
¶9. (SBU) Amorim greeted the CODEL with a comprehensive presentation on Brazilian foreign policy, recapping Brazil's priorities and accomplishments under the Lula administration. Amorim described the current Brazilian vision of a multi-polar world, taking exception to a statement that described Brazil as a regional, rather than global, power. Amorim described US-Brazil relations as good to great, noting his friendship with Secretary of State Rice and between Presidents Bush and Lula.
Haiti - Brazil in for the Long-Haul -----------------------------------
¶10. (SBU) The CODEL opened a discussion on Haiti by extending condolences for the January 7 death of General Urano Teixeira da Matta Bacellar, the Brazilian general who had led the MINUSTAH peacekeeping mission in Haiti since August 2005. Amorim avoided discussing the specifics surrounding General Bacellar's death, but reiterated public statements he had made indicating that Brazil is committed to continuing the mission in Haiti. While noting that preserving law and order is essential, Amorim voiced concern that without jobs, improved infrastructure, and industrial development, it will be difficult to make fundamental changes in Haiti's situation.
Bolivia - Urging Moderation ---------------------------
¶11. (SBU) In response to a question by Senator Martinez, Amorim shared his view that Bolivian president-elect Evo Morales had rightly chosen to work through the democratic process. Amorim recounted that he and President Lula had met with Morales on a number of occasions since 2002, always encouraging him to work for change following a democratic course. Amorim expressed surprise that Morales had been successful so quickly on the electoral front. Despite his general support for Morales, Amorim acknowledged that unchecked nationalism on the part of Morales could be problematic; noting substantial Brazilian investments in Bolivia and the countries' 3200 kilometer shared border. Amorim emphasized the need for Morales to govern in a moderate manner that encourages investment and trade.
BRASILIA 00000117 003 OF 004
Another Pitch for Mercosul-US Negotiations --------------------------------------------
¶12. (SBU) In the upteenth time within the last couple years, Amorim made a pitch that the US negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement with the Mercosul trade bloc. Amorim drew a distinction between Mercosul and other US FTA partners, claiming the levels of industrial development in Brazil and Argentina denote interests which require negotiation of a different type of agreement than that which the US has pursued with other countries, such as El Salvador. He stated that the US position on agricultural subsidies in the WTO Doha negotiations was helpful, both in terms of the Doha round and for possible bilateral negotiations. Providing some insight into Mercosul dynamics, Amorim at one point said that on many issues, he doesn't even need to consult his Mercosul colleagues, because "he knows what they think."
¶13. (SBU) Visibly uncomfortable when Senator Martinez wondered how such a bilateral deal would be possible with Venezuela in Mercosul, Minister Amorim responded that many questions "remain unanswered" regarding Venezuela's Mercosul membership, adding that "at this stage, Venezuela in Mercosul is more of a political desire than a reality."
THE PLANALTO
¶14. (SBU) The Presidency's Minister for Institutional Security, General Jorge Armando Felix, opened his meeting with the CODEL with a briefing on the functions of his office, the Institutional Security Cabinet (GSI) of the Presidency. He explained the GSI's roles in overseeing Brazil's intelligence service (ABIN), interfacing with the armed forces, coordinating the national drug prevention program and planning for and facilitating interagency management of a range of crises, from natural disasters to major land invasions. Felix was accompanied by senior GSI officials with responsibilities in these areas.
The Tri-Border Area -------------------
¶15. (SBU) Senator Burr asked Felix for his views on US-Brazil cooperation in intelligence and security, and whether changes in the US intelligence community (IC) had impacted Brazil. Felix responded that bilateral cooperation is very good, with long-standing and successful operational cooperation between Brazilian security services and US counterparts, including in monitoring activities in the Tri-Border Area (TBA). He indicated changes in the US IC had not negatively affected cooperation, praised his reception during a recent working visit to US agencies, and said it was imperative that nations work closely together in facing threats that cross borders. Elaborating on the TBA question, Felix noted that the region is a fulcrum for a range of illegal activities, including smuggling, narcotrafficking, product piracy and money laundering, but that there is "no evidence" currently of operational activities by terrorist cells. But Brazil, he continued, is "attentive" to any potential terrorist threats, and has also mounted a major interagency enforcement effort in the TBA over the past year aimed at interdicting smuggling and other illegal cross-border activities.
¶16. (SBU) Senator McConnell pressed Felix on his assertion that there is no indication of terrorist activities in the TBA. Felix stressed the use of the term "evidence" and hastened to add that the GOB understands and concerned that cells are present in the area, and is actively monitoring them. He went onto explain changes in the last two-plus decades in Middle Eastern immigration into Brazil, noting the traditional majority of Christians from Syria and Lebanon settled in greater Sao Paulo, followed in recent years by an increase in Muslims from Lebanon moving especially into the TBA. But the GOB is resistant to characterizations that could "stigmatize" entire ethnic groups, and hence is careful in its assessments and statements regarding terrorism, he added.
BRASILIA 00000117 004 OF 004
Bolivia -------
¶17. (SBU) In response to questions from Senator Thune and Martinez, Felix noted that other threats from the TBA and other frontier areas with Bolivia include arms trafficking (he noted the preponderance of weapons are of U.S. and Eastern European origin) and, especially, narcotrafficking. With regard to the recent electoral victory in Bolivia of Evo Morales, Felix noted that Morales is making a rhetorical distinction between growth of coca leaf for traditional applications, which Morales supports, and narcotrafficking, which Morales says he will combat. The GOB is watching this closely and has outlined its concern to Morales, including in a recent meeting between Morales and Lula. The length of Brazil's border with Bolivia and the influx of cocaine products into Brazil make this a crucial issue, Felix said, but Brazil is approaching the question calmly. There is focus within the GOB on finding ideas and channels for investment and development in Bolivia that can ameliorate the extreme poverty that makes cocaine trafficking so attractive to many growers, Felix added.
¶18. (U) This cable was cleared by CODEL McConnell prior to transmission.
CHICOLA