Cablegate: New Colombian Foreign Minister Visits Ecuador

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UNCLAS QUITO 002082

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MARR MASS MOPS SNAR PTER EC CO
SUBJECT: NEW COLOMBIAN FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS ECUADOR

REF: QUITO 01910

1. (U) Summary: Colombian Foreign Minister Maria Araujo made
her first official visit to Ecuador on August 16. In
meetings with Foreign Minister Francisco Carrion and Vice
President Alejandro Serrano she discussed the need for
safeguarding bilateral relations in the face of problems
along the common border, reaffirmed Colombia's commitment to
maintain suspension of aerial fumigations along the sensitive
border region, reinforced the need to cooperate in the fight
against international crime, and with Carrion agreed to
encourage greater cooperation between the Colombian and
Ecuadorian militaries on border security issues. The visit
was well received and will likely help further bilateral
relations. A border development agreement is set for signing
on September 7. End Summary.

Carrion-Araujo Meeting Positive
-------------------------------

2. (U) In her first official visit to Ecuador since assuming
the top Colombian diplomatic spot, Foreign Minister Maria
Araujo on August 16 met with Ecuadorian Foreign Minister
Francisco Carrion and later paid a courtesy call on Vice
President Alejandro Serrano. Araujo told the press that Plan
Colombia is a very important tool in the international fight
against narcotrafficking, but said that it should not be an
obstacle to positive Ecuador-Colombia bilateral relations.
She also reaffirmed Colombia's commitment to maintain
temporary suspension of aerial fumigations within 10
kilometers of the Ecuadorian border.

3. (U) Araujo agreed to push forward efforts to repatriate
Colombian refugees resident in Ecuador. Addressing the
Victor Enriquez shooting (reftel), she said that the case is
being investigated by the Ipiales Prosecutor's office. Both
ministers agreed that greater military cooperation was needed
to guarantee the security of residents living in the troubled
border region. The ministers also agreed to sign the
Binational Plan for Border Zone Integration on September 7-8
near the Rumichaca border crossing point in Tulcan, Carchi.

Carrion Stresses GOE Position
------------------------------

4. (U) In a joint press conference after their meeting,
Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Francisco Carrion reaffirmed
Ecuador's non-intervention policy with respect to Colombia's
internal conflict. He emphatically pointed out that Ecuador
does not consider the Manta Forward Operating Location (FOL)
to be part of Plan Colombia, a bilateral agreement involving
only the U.S. and Colombia. The FOL's location in Ecuador
represents Ecuador's contribution to the international fight
against narcotrafficking, Carrion said.

Araujo Departs; Bilats Continue
-------------------------------

5. (U) The Ecuador-Colombia Binational Commission convened
on August 17 in Quito following the August 16 ministerial.
The Ecuadorian MFA confirmed that the meeting will focus on
resolving a pending border demarcation issue in Cerro Troya,
Carchi.

Comment
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6. (SBU) Carrion's efforts to smooth relations with Colombia
by increasing bilateral communication mechanisms for border
issues and focusing the overall relationship on a wider range
of bilateral issues has helped the two countries build a more
solid bilateral foundation and this visit cemented those
improved ties in a very public way. Press coverage of
Araujo's visit was very positive here, highlighting goodwill
on both sides. Bilateral communication between civil and
military officials on development and security issues is
improving. Araujo made a positive debut in Ecuador and
demonstrated a good understanding of the sensitivities in the
relationship. Her prospects for deepening bilateral ties
begun under her predecessor appear good.
JEWELL

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