VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSJ #0610 2052109
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 232109Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY SAN JOSE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9952
INFO RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0793

UNCLAS SAN JOSE 000610 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CEN, WHA/PPC BERG AND MILLER, IO/UNP 
SUN, USUN, NSC MCDONALD AND P/ REINEMEYER. 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL OTRA OVIP KSEP UNGA CS
SUBJECT: COSTA RICA: 63RD UNGA HIGH-LEVEL ATTENDANCE AND 
REQUESTS FOR MEETINGS 
 
REF: STATE 72078 
 
¶1. (SBU) In response to reftel, we confirmed with the MFA 
that the Costa Rican delegation to the UNGA will include 
President Oscar Arias and FonMin Bruno Stagno. The two 
dignitaries will be attending a summit in Brazil and then 
will arrive in New York on Sept. 21 or 22 (still tentative). 
The rest of the delegation, the MFA tells us, will be 
finalized about a week before the UNGA. See formatted 
response, as requested, in paragraph 4 below. 
 
¶2. (SBU) At this time, we see no need for a bilateral with S, 
given the likely press of other higher-priority WHA business 
on her schedule.  However, Costa Rica should be included in 
relevant group meetings.  For example, if there is a group 
meeting on the Merida initiative, we would expect the GOCR to 
be included. 
 
¶3. (SBU) We anticipate that Costa Rica would want to be 
included on any broader Security Council meetings/briefings 
with S or other key officials.  The GOCR sees itself as a 
full partner and active member of the Council, and will not 
want to be overlooked.  Additionally, if there are Security 
Council or other issues of major importance on our end that 
involve Costa Rica, a meeting between A/S Shannon and Stagno 
would surely be welcome by the MFA. 
 
¶4. (SBU) GOCR attendees confirmed to date follow. 
 
¶A. Attendance of the Head of State. 
 
-- President Oscar Arias Sanchez. 
-- Arrival to New York September 21 or 22 (tentative); 
departure TBD. He will be present for the General Debate. 
-- No spouse. 
-- Spanish interpretation is requested for very high level 
meetings. 
 
¶B. Attendance of the Head of Government (same as above). 
 
¶C. Attendance of the Foreign Minister. 
 
-- Bruno Stagno Ugarte, Minister of Foreign Affairs. 
-- Arrival to New York September 21 or 22 (tentative); 
departure TBD. He will be present for the General Debate. 
-- Spouse attendance TBD. 
-- Spanish interpretation is requested for very high level 
meetings. 
 
¶D. Attendance of other VIPs -- TBD. 
 
¶E. Attendance of the Foreign Ministry official responsible 
for IO affairs -- TBD. 
CIANCHETTE