REQUEST INVITATION FOR HONDURAN MINISTER OF PUBLIC

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 002293 SIPDIS DHS FOR A/S FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ARCOS DEPT. FOR INL AND WHA/CEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OVIP PREL SNAR PTER PHUM SMIG HO SUBJECT: REQUEST INVITATION FOR HONDURAN MINISTER OF PUBLIC SECURITY ALVAREZ TO MEET WITH DHS SECRETARY RIDGE Ref: Arcos-Palmieri/Parks-Banda emails (various) ¶1. This is an action request. Please see para. 5. ¶2. During a recent visit to Honduras, prior to assuming office, DHS Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, Cresencio Arcos was very favorably impressed by the counter terrorism and anti-alien smuggling efforts being undertaken by Honduran law enforcement authorities. Post believes it would be very beneficial to United States national security interests in this region to highlight contributions of one of our Central American partners to the war on terrorism. Given the deployment of Honduran troops in Iraq in support of coalition efforts to rebuild that country and the excellent level of bilateral cooperation with the Honduran government, we request that Honduran Minister of Public Security, Oscar Arturo Alvarez, visit Washington, DC, from October 21-25 to meet with DHS Secretary Ridge and other DHS and State officials to discuss programs and review counter terrorism efforts in Honduras. ¶3. Per ref e-mails, Post asks DHS assistance in arranging meetings with Assistant Secretary Arcos, Commissioner Bonner of Border Patrol, Chief of U.S. Border Patrol Gustavo De La Vina, and others regarding law enforcement issues in Honduras and to discuss successful joint operations as well as future joint participation in the areas of port security, illegal arms transfers, alien smuggling, trafficking in persons, counter terrorism as well as counter narcotics operations. Post will arrange meetings with State Department offices separately. ¶4. Post is prepared to cover cost of travel for the Minister, including airfare, lodging and per diem. Per ref e-mails, we understand that DHS recommends an Embassy escort accompany the Minister. The process for Minister of Security Alvarez to request official permission to travel from the government requires some lead time. ¶5. Action request: Post respectfully requests that a formal DHS invitation for Honduran Minister of Public Security Alvarez to meet with DHS Secretary Ridge be extended no later than October 5. PALMER