145993 date: 3/14/2008 21:39 refid: 08MEXICO768 origin: Embassy Mexico classification: UNCLASSIFIED destination: 08STATE25971 header: VZCZCXYZ0014 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHME #0768 0742139 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 142139Z MAR 08 FM AMEMBASSY MEXICO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0923 INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0206 ----------------- header ends ---------------- UNCLAS MEXICO 000768 SIPDIS SIPDIS WHA/MEX; USOAS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL, PTER, PGOV, CO, EC, MX SUBJECT: MEXICO ON 3/17 OAS MINISTERIAL REF: STATE 25971 1. Acting PolCouns stressed with Minister Jose Antonio Zabulguitia, the Foreign Ministry's Director General of the Office of Regional Organizations and Mechanisms in the Americas, the importance the U.S. attached to using the 3/17 OAS Consultations to focus on the future and better address transnational threats that contribute to conflicts. Zabulguitia, who will represent Mexico at the upcoming consultations, believed the Rio Group meeting had contributed significantly to a lowering of tensions. Nonetheless, he thought the OAS should assume the lead for producing a longer term resolution. 2. Separately, Zabulguitia noted that both Uruguay and the Dominican Republic were vying to preside over the 3/17 Consultations. Mexico respected both countries and did not favor one over the other. However, Zabulguitia wanted the U.S. to know that Mexico thought it important for this question to be resolved on the basis of consensus rather than a contentious vote. Visit Mexico City's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/mexicocity and the North American Partnership Blog at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap / GARZA =======================CABLE ENDS============================