Cablegate: Ambassador Presents Draft Strategic Framework

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FM AMEMBASSY BOGOTA
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id: 90003
date: 12/18/2006 18:46
refid: 06BOGOTA11293
origin: Embassy Bogota
classification: CONFIDENTIAL
destination: 06STATE195048
header:
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DE RUEHBO #1293 3521846
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 181846Z DEC 06
FM AMEMBASSY BOGOTA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1417
INFO RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHMFISS/HQ USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL PRIORITY

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C O N F I D E N T I A L BOGOTA 011293

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2016
TAGS: PREL MARR CO
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PRESENTS DRAFT STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
AGREEMENT TO MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE

REF: STATE 195048

Classified By: Political Counselor John S. Creamer
Reason: 1.4 (b,d)

1. (C) On December 15, Ambassador Wood met separately with
Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Consuelo Araujo and
Minister of Defense Juan Manuel Santos to present a revised
U.S. draft of the bilateral Strategic Framework Agreement.
He stressed we understood the GOC desire to avoid
congressional ratification, but we wanted an agreement that
was sufficiently broad to meet our mutual needs. For
example, if we agreed to explore the possibility of locating
a CSL in Colombia, we would want the framework agreement to
advance this goal.

2. (C) Araujo and Santos emphasized the importance of an
agreement that allowed for maximum cooperation, but made
minimum domestic political noise. They promised to study the
U.S. text. Santos said the GOC wants an accord that helps
signal to President Chavez that Colombia enjoys U.S. support,
but does not exacerbate regional tensions. Santos expressed
preliminary interest in a CSL, but said the GOC is thinking
along the lines of expanding an existing Colombian base to
meet U.S. requirements.
WOOD

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