MEDIA REACTION ON IRAQ, NOVEMBER 18, 2003

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 002714

SIPDIS

FOR WHA/PDA (OHILTON),IIP/G/WHA, IIP/T/ES, NEA/NGA, WHA/CEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP PREL KPAO MOPS PGOV IZ HO
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON IRAQ, NOVEMBER 18, 2003



1. Article in Tegucigalpa-based liberal daily "La Tribuna"
on 11/18 entitled "Troops are stationed in low risk zones in
Iraq". "After a short visit to Iraq to supervise the work
of the Honduran troops in that country, the Minister of
Defense Federico Breve said that the Honduran troops have
received all the support they require from the coalition
forces."

"Breve also said that the Honduran troops have been deployed
in one of the most peaceful zones on the Najaf region.
Breve added that he had the chance of joining the troops on
some of their missions to verify that the risk they face is
minimal."


2. Article in Tegucigalpa-based moderate daily "El Heraldo"
on 11/18 entitled "Honduras will withdraw its troops if they
face any danger". "After returning from a short visit to
Iraq, the Minister of Defense Federico Breve said that
President Maduro would consider the possibility of
withdrawing the Honduran troops from Iraq or re-station them
in a safer place if the risks they face increase in any
way."

"Breve said, we will really need to evaluate our presence in
Iraq. we won't take any unnecessary risks. Thus, if we are
aware that the risks to our troops increase, we'll assess
our presence in Iraq. If the lives of our soldiers are in
any danger, there's a chance to bring them back, or re-
station them somewhere else."

Palmer