Cablegate: Torres Strait - Demarche On Australian Compulsory Pilotage

VZCZCXRO3205
PP RUEHRG
DE RUEHBR #1804 2401838
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 281838Z AUG 06
FM AMEMBASSY BRASILIA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6497
INFO RUEHRG/AMCONSUL RECIFE 5356
RUEHSO/AMCONSUL SAO PAULO 7880
RUEHRI/AMCONSUL RIO DE JANEIRO 2762
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 1214
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RHMFIUU/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC
RULSJGA/COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//G-CI/G-PCP//

UNCLAS BRASILIA 001804

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EWWT PBTS PHSA BR
SUBJECT: TORRES STRAIT - DEMARCHE ON AUSTRALIAN COMPULSORY PILOTAGE
REGIME DELIVERED TO BRAZIL

REF: STATE 136187

Econoffs delivered reftel talking points to Michel Arslanian Neto,
First Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Division of
Services, Investments and Financial Affairs. Arslanian did not know
the status of Australia's decision on the Torres Strait and
expressed surprise at the October 6 implementation deadline. While
Arslanian could not give an official answer, he said that another
colleague from the Ministry would reply to our request as soon as
possible. He stated that he understood that time was a factor.
Arslanian said that the potential for important thoroughfare
countries like Panama to also make pilotage requirements was
disturbing. Brazil clearly recognizes that a domino effect would be
detrimental to trade flows and could affect exports. Post will
forward the Ministry's official response when we receive it.

CHICOLA

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