AMBASSADOR AND HUMAN RIGHTS OMBUDSMAN DISCUSS

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 001700

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL KJUS PINR MOPS GT
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND HUMAN RIGHTS OMBUDSMAN DISCUSS
VIOLENCE AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS WORKERS



1. (SBU) Summary: Ambassador Hamilton met with Human Rights
Ombudsman Sergio Morales on June 26 to express concern over
the recent murder of an Auxiliary Ombudsman and new threats
against human rights defenders and journalists. The
Ambassador also praised Morales' efforts to promote the
prompt establishment of an International Commission to
Investigate Clandestine Groups (CICIACS). After the meeting,
the Ambassador condemned the murder and intimidation in
comments to the press. End Summary.


2. (SBU) On June 26, the Ambassador and HROff met with Human
Rights Ombudsman Sergio Morales to express condolences for
the recent murder of Chimaltenango Auxiliary Ombudsman Israel
Lopez. The Ambassador also expressed concern to Morales
about threats against fourteen other auxiliary Ombudsmen, and
briefed the Ombudsman about USG diplomatic efforts to urge
the GOG to protect the Ombudsman and human rights defenders.
The Ambassador pledged further moral and technical support.
Morales thanked the Ambassador for all of his efforts and
said that USG assistance is an important pillar of support
for human rights work in Guatemala. Morales also praised
newly-named prosecutor Thelma de Lam for the excellent job
she is doing of investigating the Lopez murder.


3. (SBU) The Ambassador expressed our concern over the June
24 domestic break-in and threatening of El Periodico
publisher Jose Ruben Zamora. Morales agreed that this was a
troubling incident that merited a quick and thorough
investigation, which he and his staff were doing their best
to provide. Morales also mentioned that six different
journalists had been threatened in different parts of the
country over the previous 72 hours, and that he was worried
about them as well.


4. (SBU) Morales said he hoped the new wave of violence
against human rights activists, journalists, and justice
operators would justify the human rights community's urgency
to see the commission to investigate clandestine groups
(CICIACS) established quickly. Morales said that he, Foreign
Minister Gutierrez, and human rights leaders were looking
forward to UN Rep Predendergrast's visit on July 4, as well
as the UN technical mission in mid-July. The Ambassador
commended Morales' leadership on the CICIACS and reiterated
USG support for the expeditious establishment of CICIACS.


5. (U) In statements to the press on departure from the
Ombudsman's office, the Ambassador condemned the murder of
Auxiliary Ombudsman Israel Lopez and called for a thorough
investigation. He said that the international community
remains concerned over the intimidation of human rights
workers, and expressed the hope that the Government would
bring to justice those who are making these threats.
LINDWALL