Cablegate: Nigeria Will Support Incumbent Icao Chairman And

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS ABUJA 000983

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAIR ECON NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA WILL SUPPORT INCUMBENT ICAO CHAIRMAN AND
REQUESTS USG SUPPORT FOR GON COUNCIL SEAT

REF: (A) ABUJA 364 (B) STATE 69416 (C) STATE 70425

1. This is an action request. Please see para 6.

2. EconOff spoke with Chief Owodu, Technical Assistant to
the Minister of Aviation, on April 25 regarding the election
of ICAO Council President as requested Refs B and C. Chief
Owodu said that Nigeria would support the incumbent, Dr.
Assad Kotaite, as he has done a "superlative job" leading the
ICAO.

3. The Embassy received on April 18 a Note Verbale from MFA
to all accredited High Commissions, Embassies and
International Organizations in Nigeria that are members of
the ICAO requesting support for Nigerian re-election into the
Council of ICAO. The text of the Note is as follows:

4. Begin text of Note:

Note No F705/2001

(complimentary opening)

...the Federal Government of Nigeria has decided to present
its candidacy for re-election into the Council of ICAO during
the General Assembly Session of the organization scheduled to
be held from 25 September - 5 October, 2001.

The Federal Government of Nigeria solicits the support of the
Governments of the Accredited Representatives for the
Nigerian candidacy.

(complimentary closing)

End text of Note.

5. COMMENT: According to Ministry of Aviation officials,
Nigeria's position vis--vis ICAO is handled regionally at
the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in Dakar.
AFCAC's position on these two issues, according to Ministry
officials, is closer to the European position (Ref A). In
examining Nigeria's candidacy to the ICAO Council, Department
may want to consider GON willingness to support positions
contrary to USG interests on emissions levels and noise
standards. On the other hand, Nigeria's bid for reelection
could provide an opportunity to seek GON support for issues
pending decision within the ICAO. END COMMENT.

6. ACTION REQUEST: Post will inform Nigerian MFA that its
request has been forwarded to appropriate USG authorities.
Please advise if Department takes a position on Nigeria's
candidacy.
Jeter

© Scoop Media